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Did you know that there is a phenomenon capable of converting pressure into electrical energy?
The piezoelectric phenomenon plays an important role in modern technologies and everyday life.
In this article, we will introduce you to its principle of operation, history and wide range of applications.
Learn about the fascinating world of piezoelectricity, which concerns not only scientists, but also each of us.
Piezoelectric phenomenon - definition
The piezoelectric phenomenon is a fascinating field of science that plays a key role in modern technology.
The scientific definition of the term describes the piezoelectric phenomenon as the ability of certain materials to generate an electrical voltage in response to imposed mechanical stresses.
The physical basis of this phenomenon is the changing crystal structure of piezoelectric materials under mechanical action.
The main elements of the piezoelectric phenomenon include:
- change in crystal structure – when implementing a mechanical force, the crystal structure of the material changes, causing the displacement of charges;
- Voltage generation – the displacement of these charges creates a potential difference, resulting in the generation of an electrical voltage;
- Reversion – the piezoelectric phenomenon is reversible, which means that the material can also deform under the influence of an applied electric voltage.
The definition of the piezoelectric phenomenon and an understanding of its basis allow for a better understanding not only of scientific processes, but also of everyday applications, from the construction of microphones to advanced sensors used in medicine and industry.
History of the discovery of piezoelectricity
The story of the discovery of the piezoelectric phenomenon is as fascinating as the phenomenon itself.
Its study began in the 19th century by two brothers – Pierre and Jacques Curie.
It was they who, in 1880, discovered that pressure on certain crystals (quartz, Rochelle salt, sugar, among others) generates a voltage on their surface.
This ability to convert mechanical stress into electrical energy was called the piezoelectric phenomenon.
Further research into the piezoelectric phenomenon was conducted by, among others.
Gabriel Lippmann, who in 1881 proved that the process is reversible.
This means that under the influence of an electric field, piezoelectric materials can change their shape.
The results of Lippmann’s research were a milestone in the history of the discovery of the piezoelectric phenomenon, thanks to which its practical use in technology began.
In the 20th century, during both world wars, piezoelectricity found applications in sonar – devices for detecting objects underwater.
Over the years, the piezoelectric phenomenon began to be used in an increasingly wide range of fields – from medicine to industry to electronics.
Piezoelectric materials
When we talk about the piezoelectric phenomenon, we must mention certain materials that have this unique ability.
Piezoelectric materials, as the name suggests, are the heart of this phenomenon.
They are the ones that, under mechanical pressure, are able to generate electrical energy, which is what sets them apart from other substances.
Among the most common materials that exhibit piezoelectric properties are natural crystals such as quartz, or Rochelle salt.
Nonetheless, it is the piezoelectric polymer PVDF (polyvinylidene fluorquioxide) and ferroelectric ceramics such as barium titanate and lead titanate that deserve special mention.
Thanks to their unique properties, they make it possible to produce sensors, microphones or even speaker landings.
The aforementioned piezoelectric materials are characterized by high stability, which allows them to be used over a wide temperature range.
Use of piezoelectricity phenomenon in technology
The piezoelectric phenomenon has found wide application in various fields of technology, which translates into our daily lives.
The applications of this fascinating phenomenon are extremely vast and varied, ranging from everyday items like gas lighters to advanced tools used in medicine and industry.
Major applications of piezoelectricity include:
- Sensors and trans ducers – The piezoelectric phenomenon is central to the operation of many sensors and transducers that respond to pressure, vibration or force.
For example, sound sensors in microphones use piezoelectricity to convert air vibrations into electrical signals; - Consumer electronics – gas lighters use piezoelectric phenomenon to generate a spark.
Similarly, in some types of watches, piezoelectricity helps maintain precise time; - Medicine – Ultrasound, a popular medical technology, uses the piezoelectric phenomenon to generate and detect ultrasound waves, allowing the creation of images of the inside of the human body;
- industry – in road construction technology, a piezoelectric sensor can detect the load imposed on the road, allowing traffic to be monitored.
The piezoelectric phenomenon is the invisible catalyst for many technological advances.
Its understanding allows us to better understand how many everyday devices and systems work, and potential new applications continue to be explored and developed.
Piezoelectricity in medicine
The piezoelectric phenomenon in the medical field has found extremely valuable applications, transforming the industry and opening up new diagnostic possibilities.
Harnessing this effect allows for the creation of advanced technologies for both diagnosis and therapy.
Understanding how piezoelectricity works in medical practice allows one to appreciate its full potential.
First of all, the piezoelectric phenomenon is central to ultrasonography, a popular medical technology.
Ultrasonic wave devices use the piezoelectric effect to generate and detect waves.
This, in turn, makes it possible to create images of various structures in the human body without the need for invasive techniques.
As a result, doctors can observe the condition of internal organs in real time, assess blood flow in vessels or monitor fetal development.
In therapy, the piezoelectric effect allows the ultrasound wave to be concentrated on a designated area, enabling precise and effective treatment of various conditions.
For example, they are used in shock wave therapy, which helps treat degenerative changes or accelerate fracture healing.
The piezoelectric phenomenon in medicine is often an invaluable tool that contributes to rapid diagnosis and effective treatment.
Future and research
Research in the area of piezoelectricity holds the promise of revolution in various fields.
Increasingly, piezoelectric phenomenon is being used to create innovative, green technologies, such as systems for recovering energy from vehicle motion or human body energy.
Future research into piezoelectric phenomena could make it possible to create even more efficient systems through small modifications in the structure of piezoelectric materials.
Other potential applications include miniaturization of devices, which would open up entirely new avenues of innovation in areas such as electronics, medicine and science.
Thus, the piezoelectric phenomenon has great potential, which will undoubtedly be continuously developed in the future.
