TECHNOLOGY SUMMARY

Electric Field Imaging (EFI) system is capable of quantitatively measuring the magnitude and direction of electrostatic fields in near- and far-field applications. The EFI system uses measurement of very low-current, human-safe electric fields to construct a three-dimensional image of objects and people based on their dielectric properties.

Primary Application Area: Electronics, Sensors, Communications

Technology Development Status: Prototype

FIGURES OF MERIT

Value Proposition: NASA Langley Research Center's Electric Field Imaging (EFI)
system is the only noncontact method capable of quantitatively
measuring the magnitude and direction of electrostatic
fields in near- and far-field applications. Based on low-cost,
commercially available components, the EFI system uses
measurement of very low-current, human-safe electric fields
to construct a three-dimensional image of objects and people
based on their dielectric properties. This platform technology,
originally developed for measurement of the efficacy of electrical
shielding around cables, could be optimized for a variety of
applications, including medical imaging, security and detection,
weather and natural disaster prediction, and nondestructive
evaluation of composites and insulators. The EFI system has
the potential to offer a lower-cost, portable, and safer alternative
to the imaging systems currently used in these application.

SHOWCASE SUMMARY

Organization Type: Academic/Gov Lab

Showcase Booth #: 323

Website: https://technologygateway.nasa.gov/

GOVT/EXTERNAL FUNDING SOURCES

Vetted Programs/Awards: Dr. Ed Generazio, Office of Safety and Mission Assurance (OSMA) Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) program manager, received a NASA Distinguished Service Medal for his exemplary work in NDE for the agency.

External Funding to Date: NASA