DEVICE TO MEASURE THE RATE OF BREAKDOWN-MEDIATED CHARGE TRANSFER ON A DIELECTRIC

摘要

Breakdown-mediated charge transfer is made to occur at the surface of a dielectric (10) and its rate is limited by a defined dielectric polarization level and frequency for safe use in a clinical setting. Measurement is accomplished directly by an optical method (28) and indirectly by a high frequency current detection method. The optical method (28) is made reliable through a sealed construction technique. The quality of diagnostic readings supplied by both methods are made more reliable by a repeatable means of force application (31).