Ghost hunting has fascinated and intrigued people for centuries. While some view it as a hobby or a form of entertainment, others are genuinely curious about the existence of paranormal phenomena.

To explore this uncharted territory, ghost hunters often employ various specialised tools and equipment to detect the presence of spirits or ghosts.

Dr Marina Antoniou is an Electrical Engineer with expertise in Power Electronics from the University of Warwick and has been exploring the technology that ghost hunters use.

Electromagnetic Waves and the Paranormal
One of the principles behind ghost-hunting equipment is the belief that spirits or ghosts may interact with the environment through electromagnetic fields.

Dr Antoniou said “Electromagnetic fields are generated by moving electric charges and even by the Earth’s core itself. This connection to electromagnetic fields is at the core of many paranormal theories.”

“Electromagnetic waves are composed of electric and magnetic fields that oscillate in space. In the context of ghost hunting, it is hypothesised that spirits might disrupt or manipulate these fields when they are present. This can be detected and recorded using specialised equipment.”

Electromagnetic Field Detectors
Ghost hunters often use electromagnetic field detectors, such as EMF meters, to monitor changes in the surrounding electromagnetic environment.

“These detectors are designed to measure the strength and frequency of electromagnetic fields, which can then be analysed for anomalies. A sudden high spike could relate to something paranormal or just wiring!”

EMF Meters
Electromagnetic Field (EMF) meters are the most common tools used by ghost hunters.

“These devices measure changes in electromagnetic fields – usually used to detect and measure radiation from man-made sources such as electrical wiring and power lines. A sudden, unexplained spike in EMF readings is often considered evidence of a potential paranormal presence by ghost hunters.”

Gaussmeters
“Gaussmeters are more sensitive versions of EMF meters, designed to measure even smaller fluctuations in electromagnetic fields - usually used to compare against safety standard limits. Paranormal investigators use them to detect subtle changes that might not register on standard EMF meters.”

Spirit Boxes
Spirit boxes are specialised devices that rapidly scan through radio frequencies. “In essence, these devices continually scan both AM and FM frequencies without stopping.”

It is believed that spirits can manipulate these frequencies to communicate by selecting and arranging words or phrases.

EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) Recorders
These devices are used to capture unexplained voices or sounds that are not audible to the human ear at the time of recording. Ghost hunters analyse these recordings in an attempt to identify messages from spirits.


 

ENDS
Notes to editors
For more information, please contact:

Bron Mills
Communications Officer | Press & Media Relations |
bron.mills@warwick.ac.uk
+447824540720