An improved radiosonde for the measurement of electric potential gradient in the atmosphere

Abstract

The electrical potential gradient sonde developed by Venkiteshwaran and his co-workers and used during the I.G. Y. for regular soundings at Delhi and Poona though satisfactory for low altitude measurements was not quite suitable for high altitudes where the electric field is normally of the order of a few volt per metre or less. As a result of a series of experiments to improve its performance, the improved sonde now has a much faster response time with a very stable and consistent reference zero. Provision has been made to make the transmitter and the batteries much less temperature dependant throughout the sounding and to monitor the reference zero during the flight. The sonde thus has an accuracy of  ±1 volt per metre and has been continuously used during the IQSY successfully.