A fast electro-optic high-voltage sensor

This communication describes the construction and testing of a fast electro-optic high-voltage sensor, intended for use in a variety of pulsed-power applications. A 150 kV coaxial high-voltage cable is adapted to form an adjustable voltage divider, with the voltage across the lower section of the divider being measured with the aid of a Pockels cell. As developed, the sensor has been employed to measure 15 kV pulses with a rise time of less than 3 ns, and work is in hand to extend the pulse voltage measurement into the megavolt region.