Abstract: A pyroelectric sensor for determines a charge output of a ferroelectric scene element of the sensor by measuring the hysteresis loop output of the scene element several times during a particular time frame for the same temperature. An external AC signal is applied to the ferroelectric scene element to cause the hysteresis loop output from the element to switch polarization. Charge integration circuitry is employed to measure the charge from the scene element. The ferroelectric of the scene element is made of strontium bismuth tantalate, or derivative thereof, disposed directly between top and bottom electrodes. The polarization of the reference element which is compared to and subtracted from the polarization of the scene element for each cycle. The polarization difference measured for each cycle over a set time period are summed by an integrating amplifier to produce a signal output voltage.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining a temperature of a ferroelectric sensor are provided. The ferroelectric sensor has operational characteristics defined by a polarization versus voltage hysteresis loop. In one exemplary embodiment, the method includes applying a symmetrical periodic voltage waveform to the ferroelectric sensor so as to induce the ferroelectric sensor to traverse the polarization versus voltage hysteresis loop. The method further includes monitoring voltages across the ferroelectric sensor and polarization states of the ferroelectric sensor over a first time interval to determine a first zero field polarization state and a first coercive field voltage. The method further includes determining a first temperature value indicative of the temperature of the ferroelectric sensor based on the first coercive field voltage.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining a temperature of a ferroelectric sensor are provided. The ferroelectric sensor has operational characteristics defined by a polarization versus voltage hysteresis loop. In one exemplary embodiment, the method includes applying a symmetrical periodic voltage waveform to the ferroelectric sensor so as to induce the ferroelectric sensor to traverse the polarization versus voltage hysteresis loop. The method further includes monitoring voltages across the ferroelectric sensor and polarization states of the ferroelectric sensor over a first time interval to determine a first zero field polarization state and a first coercive field voltage. The method further includes determining a first temperature value indicative of the temperature of the ferroelectric sensor based on the first coercive field voltage.

Abstract: A low-fire ferroelectric composition, includes a lead bismuth titanate compound having a formula represented by: (Bi2O2)x2+(Mm?1TimO3m?1)x2? wherein in represents a number 1 through 5, M represents a combination of bismuth and lead, and x represents a number of cations and anions present in the compound, and a eutectic mixture of lead oxide and bismuth oxide.

Abstract: A circuit device that make use of graded ferroelectric structures and techniques by which such structures can be excited by external and internal stimuli to render the device useful for a variety of circuit applications. The device comprises at least two ferroelectric films, each of the films having a graded dipole moment in a thickness direction normal to the surfaces thereof. The graded dipole moment of each film is effective to produce a change in the dipole charge density, and hence an apparent net charge, on the first and second surfaces of each film when an alternating electric field is applied to the film and additional energy is imparted to the film. By providing an electrical connection between the films, changes in the dipole charge density of the films generated by application of the alternating electric field yield a device charge separation output that differs from the individual changes in the dipole charge density of the films.

Abstract: A circuit device that make use of graded ferroelectric structures and techniques by which such structures can be excited by external and internal stimuli to render the device useful for a variety of circuit applications. The device comprises at least two ferroelectric films, each of the films having a graded dipole moment in a thickness direction normal to the surfaces thereof. The graded dipole moment of each film is effective to produce a change in the dipole charge density, and hence an apparent net charge, on the first and second surfaces of each film when an alternating electric field is applied to the film and additional energy is imparted to the film. By providing an electrical connection between the films, changes in the dipole charge density of the films generated by application of the alternating electric field yield a device charge separation output that differs from the individual changes in the dipole charge density of the films.

Abstract: The subject invention includes a composite material comprising a ferroelectric material and a ferromagnetic material having a loss factor (tan &dgr;) for the composite material which includes a dielectric loss factor of the ferroelectric material and a magnetic loss factor of the ferromagnetic material. The composite material achieves the loss factor of from 0 to about 1.0 for a predetermined frequency range greater than 1 MHz. The ferroelectric material has a dielectric loss factor of from 0 to about 0.5 and the ferromagnetic material has a magnetic loss factor of from 0 to about 0.5 for the predetermined frequency range. The ferroelectric material is present in an amount from 10 to 90 parts by volume based on 100 parts by volume of the composite material and the ferromagnetic material is present in an amount from 10 to 90 parts by volume based upon 100 parts by volume of the composite material such that the amount of the ferroelectric material and the ferromagnetic material equals 100 parts by volume.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating an amplified effect in an asymmetrical hysteretic system is disclosed. The asymmetrical hysteretic system comprises an internally-graded transponent, an energy source that drives the internally-graded transponent, and a small stimulus amplified by a gain factor of the internally-graded transponent. A method for generating an amplified effect in an asymmetrical hysteretic system is also disclosed.

Abstract: The subject invention includes a composite material comprising a ferroelectric material and a ferromagnetic material having a loss factor (tan &dgr;) for the composite material which includes a dielectric loss factor of the ferroelectric material and a magnetic loss factor of the ferromagnetic material. The composite material achieves the loss factor of from 0 to about 1.0 for a predetermined frequency range greater than 1 MHz. The ferroelectric material has a dielectric loss factor of from 0 to about 0.5 and the ferromagnetic material has a magnetic loss factor of from 0 to about 0.5 for the predetermined frequency range. The ferroelectric material is present in an amount from 10 to 90 parts by volume based on 100 parts by volume of the composite material and the ferromagnetic material is present in an amount from 10 to 90 parts by volume based upon 100 parts by volume of the composite material such that the amount of the ferroelectric material and the ferromagnetic material equals 100 parts by volume.

Abstract: A material which possesses both capacitive and inductive properties for suppressing electromagnetic interference is provided, wherein the material is a composite of a ferroelectric material and a ferromagnetic material. The ferroelectric-ferromagnetic composite material is formulated and processed so as to retain the distinct electrical properties of the individual constituents according to the relative quantities of the constituents present in the ferroelectric-ferromagnetic composite material. As a unitary composite element, the ferroelectric-ferromagnetic composite is readily formable to provide a compact electrical filter whose filtering capability is highly suitable for suppressing electromagnetic interference from sources internal and external to an automotive environment. The sintered composite has a very low porosity; interconnectivity between the ferroelectric and ferromagnetic phases; and has no chemical reaction between the ferroelectric and ferromagnetic phases to produce a third phase.

Abstract: A film having a unique asymmetrical hysteresis, a method of making, and a method of using such a film in and/or as a device. An example describes a distinctive ferroelectric device as an infrared detector that operates at generally ambient conditions.

Abstract: A film having a unique asymmetrical hysteresis, a method of making, and a method of using such a film in and/or as a device. An example describes a distinctive ferroelectric device as an infrared detector that operates at generally ambient conditions.

Abstract: In accordance with a preferred embodiment, calorimetric properties of a microwave heatable work load are obtained while the load is being heated by producing electrical signals indicative of the net applied microwave power and the temperature of the material, and using the signals to produce a signal indicative of the net energy, or the specific heat, or the reflection coefficient of the work load as a function of its temperature.

Abstract: In accordance with a preferred embodiment microwave heating of a material is controlled by producing an electrical signal indicative of the rate of change of the net applied microwave power with the change of temperature of the material and using the signal in control of the energy input to the material.