Piezoelectric Crystals: Constant Pressure & Electric Field

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SUMMARY

When a constant pressure is applied to a piezoelectric crystal, it initially generates an electric field; however, this voltage quickly drops to zero due to the crystal's imperfect insulation and the need to extract current for measurement. The rearrangement of free charges within the crystal counteracts the voltage, leading to a neutral state over time. Additionally, ferroelectric materials are highlighted as an alternative that can maintain constant electric fields without applied stress.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of piezoelectricity and its principles
  • Familiarity with electrical measurements and voltage concepts
  • Knowledge of material properties, specifically insulators
  • Basic concepts of ferroelectric materials and their characteristics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties and applications of ferroelectric materials
  • Explore advanced piezoelectric materials and their performance metrics
  • Learn about the measurement techniques for voltage in piezoelectric systems
  • Investigate the relationship between pressure, deformation, and electric field generation in piezoelectric crystals
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Researchers, materials scientists, and electrical engineers interested in piezoelectric and ferroelectric materials, as well as those exploring applications in sensors and actuators.

ScienceNerd36
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If a constant pressure is kept on a piezoelectric crystal, will it continue to generate an electric field?
 
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Actually, if you try this you will notice that the voltage drops back to zero quite quickly (seconds).
This is because the crystal is not a perfect insulator, and because you must extract some current to measure the voltage.
 
Yeah, when you deform a piezoelectric crystal, a voltage builds up. But that means that there is going to be a force acting on any free charges hanging around, which will try to rearrange themselves to cancel the voltage. So after a while the crystal should be neutral again.
 
Thanks for the help :)
 
You may be interested in Ferroelectric materials too. These have constant electric fields wihout the need to apply a stress.
 
You don't say. I'll be off to read up on them right now. Thanks :)
 

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