Steered-electron electric-field (SEEF) sensor program

A steered-electron electric field (SEEF) sensor package comprising:

• a base and lid sealably connected to form a hollow structure having an inner chamber therein;
• a SEEF sensor disposed within the inner chamber, the SEEF sensor comprising:
• a generally free-standing cathode capable of emitting electrons when activated;
• a first and second anode located a distance apart, the first and second anode symmetrically located from about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm from the cathode;
• and
• a plurality of steering electrodes at least partially disposed between the cathode and the first and second anode;
• wherein, upon activation of the cathode, electrons are emitted therefrom, and said electrons are received at the first and/or second anode;
• and
• electric field concentrators disposed within the inner chamber on two sides of the SEEF sensor, the electric field concentrators adapted to concentrate an external electric field through the electrons emitted from the cathode thereof.

A method of determining an external electric field comprising:

• providing a steered-electron electric field (SEEF) sensor comprising:
• a bottom portion comprising:
• a non-conductive bottom portion support structure having a cavity disposed therein;
• a cathode capable of emitting electrons when activated, the cathode extending from the bottom portion such that it is at least partially suspended above the cavity;
• and
• a plurality of steering electrodes extending from a base at the bottom portion support structure to a tip located above the cathode;
• a top portion comprising:
• a non-conductive top portion support structure;
• a first anode disposed on the top portion support structure;
• and
• a second anode disposed on top portion support structure, the second anode located a distance of from the first anode;
• wherein the first and second anodes are symmetrically positioned above the cathode;
• and
• a middle portion extending from the top portion support structure to the bottom portion support structure;
• activating the cathode such that electrons are emitted therefrom;
• and
• measuring and comparing a first current at the first anode and a second current at the second anode to determine an external electric field.