Optimized thermo-optic electric-field probes for microwaves and millimeter waves

Abstract

We report the design and testing of electric-field probes for use at frequencies in the microwave and millimeter-wave range. consist of a resistive element whose temperature rise is measured by an optically sensed thermometer. Design parameters of the resistive element were optimized theoretically, with empirical confirmation. The optimized probe has a flat response above about 13 GHz and can measure fields as small as 17 V/m. The probes