New research in Nature: scientists create transparent crystals with ultra-high voltage

[ Instrument network instrument research and development ] Piezoelectric material is a crystalline material that will generate voltage between the two ends when subjected to pressure. They are widely used in electronic applications, including sensors, small motors, actuators and other devices that convert electrical energy into motion.

In addition, their energy efficiency and ease of miniaturization are driving the development of new technologies, such as for growing networked devices (Internet of Things), drivers for touch screens, and miniature robots.

Qiu et al. Published an article in the journal Nature reporting the preparation of a high-performance piezoelectric material with the almost-transparent nature of light that has long been desired.

This breakthrough could lead to devices that combine excellent piezoelectric with tunable optical characteristics.

Most high-performance piezoelectric materials are ferroelectric materials. In order for these ferroelectrics to be used as piezoelectric bodies, they must first undergo a process called polarization, in which an external electric field is applied to the material to redirect the unfavorable orientation domains and cause macro polarization.

Polarized ferroelectrics exhibit a large electromechanical response to an external electric or mechanical force. This response is typically characterized by a quantity called the piezoelectric coefficient. The polarization process is usually performed using a DC electric field.

Qiu and colleagues took advantage of the difference in light scattering between the 71 ° and 109 ° domain walls.

These samples exhibit near-perfect transmittance, large birefringence (materials have different refractive indices along different axes), and ultra-high piezoelectric coefficients.

The report by Qiu et al. Added optics to high-performance piezoelectric crystals, opening the door to the design of opto-mechanical devices. Transparent drives or motors can be used for touch screens in consumer electronics, or for developing invisible miniature robots. In addition, the high electromechanical properties and transparency of this crystal can be applied to photoacoustic imaging technology or piezoelectric optical waveguides.