- #1
neanderthalphysics
- 53
- 6
Hey all,
I bought some LiTaO3 crystals in order to test the pyroelectric effect. Unfortunately I am not detecting any pyroelectric voltage during heating.
According to the vendor, the Z-axis is lengthwise as shown in the attached diagram. I then put the crystal between two metal electrodes, with both ends going to an oscilloscope. The crystal is then heated with a hot air gun. The oscilloscope is giving a real time output of 0V (apart from background noise).
Any suggestions on what the problem might be? Chemical analysis by our labs confirmed the crystal to be LiTaO3. If it is not producing any voltage during heating, it could be either my setup is wrong, the crystal is polycrystalline or something I haven't thought of.
Is there any difference between LiTaO3 crystals sold for the pyroelectric vs. piezoelectric effect?
Thanks.
I bought some LiTaO3 crystals in order to test the pyroelectric effect. Unfortunately I am not detecting any pyroelectric voltage during heating.
According to the vendor, the Z-axis is lengthwise as shown in the attached diagram. I then put the crystal between two metal electrodes, with both ends going to an oscilloscope. The crystal is then heated with a hot air gun. The oscilloscope is giving a real time output of 0V (apart from background noise).
Any suggestions on what the problem might be? Chemical analysis by our labs confirmed the crystal to be LiTaO3. If it is not producing any voltage during heating, it could be either my setup is wrong, the crystal is polycrystalline or something I haven't thought of.
Is there any difference between LiTaO3 crystals sold for the pyroelectric vs. piezoelectric effect?
Thanks.