Strain and Current Responses During Electron Flux Excitation of Piezoelectric Ceramics

Abstract

The electric field induced strain in piezoelectric materials subjected to an electron flux is examined in this paper. An analysis using quantum mechanics indicates that stable and controllable strains with very low current draw should be achievable over a range of positive and negative control potentials. The model also predicts instability in the internal electric field at larger negative potentials. The model was evaluated by observing the strain output of PZT5h plates subjected to an electron flux on one face and voltage inputs from a single electrode on the opposite face. The strain response and current flow were measured as a function of electrode potential and electron energy. All of the significant predictions of the model were verified by the experimental results. Further experiments were performed to examine the time response of the strain induced in the plate. It was found that the location and potential of the electron collector dramatically influences the dynamic response of the system.