One of the main requirements of the current Smart Grid is the availability of real-time, broadly distributed information on the status of its electrical components.
For a distribution network this requires the integration of several cheap, reliable and low invasiveness sensors for monitoring main electrical parameters of its electric boards.
RSE is developing an optical sensor for accurate measurement of the  Phase Voltage   in  Medium Voltage electric boards. It is based on the use of commercially available electro-optic crystals (generally Lithium Niobate or Lithium Tantalate crystals).
The aim of this research concerns a numerical and experimental  investigation  of physical properties of the electro-optic crystals, exploited for this smart grid application, for an optimization of their optical response to the applied electric field.
The thesis will be developed in collaboration with RSE – Milano and will be partially carried out at  the RSE Labs.
http://www.rse-web.it/Sedi.page?resId=6&country=ita