Using the λ function to evaluate probe measurements of charged dielectric surfaces

The use of Pedersen's λ function to evaluate electrostatic probe measurements of charged dielectric surfaces is demonstrated. With a knowledge of the probe λ function, the procedure by which this function is employed is developed, and thereafter applied to a set of experimental measurements available in the literature. The values of surface charge density derived are in good agreement with the published data. Through this field-theoretical approach, it is readily shown that areas of charge remote from the probe location can produce a major part of the probe signal. If a circuit-theory approach were adopted to analyze such probe measurements, then as the held features of the probe response cannot be taken into account, a serious misinterpretation of the measurements could arise