Reverse Piezoelec effect queries

[srihari]

How accurately can reverse piezoelectric effect be controlled? Can I say if I apply so and so voltages across it i can expand it to so and so distance and statically hold it in that position for some time(Small timings around 10 millisecs)? If no any other mechanism that can be employed?

[AC0KG]

The piezoelectric effect can be and is used for precision motion control. See www piezo-motor net for some industrial examples (check out the datasheets for performance info, I was pretty impressed with how fast they are, not at all what I expected).

Whether you can use it directly to position an item and accurately hold it will depend heavily on the application. You'd have to do some more research about what materials and techniques would be suitable given your requirements.