Electric Field Distortions Produced by Solid Dielectric Spacers Separating Uniform Field Electrodes in Nitrobenzene

The Kerr electrooptic effect is used to study the electric field distortion introduced into a uniform field gap in nitrobenzene by solid dielectric spacers bridging the gap. The results show that the field is distorted by the introduction of the solid, and the degree and location of the distortion depend upon the electrical properties of the solid. The results are compatible with space charge accumulation in the solid dielectric spacer.