Abstract: A method of fabricating a piezoelectric composite comprising an array of piezoelectric elements and a reinforcement structure embedded in a material. The method includes the step of forming the reinforcement structure prior to assembly with the piezoelectric elements, the reinforcement structure defining an array of holes for receiving the piezoelectric elements.

Abstract: A pyroelectric ceramic having the composition: ##EQU1## where .phi. is U (uranium) or Mn (manganese) and in which .alpha. is a number substantially within the range 0.01 to 0.10; x is a number substantially within the range 0.10 to 0.25; y is a number substantially within the range 0 to 0.4; z is a number substantially within the range 0 to 0.05 and .delta. is a number substantially within the range 0 to 0.06. Methods of fabricating the pyroelectric ceramic are also described.

Abstract: A modulator of the type including an array of light modulating elements. To afford fast response and thus greater modulation bandwidth these elements, each comprising a pair of electrodes and a reflector, are defined in a sheet layer of electro-optic solids material. In particular, this material may be of PLZT ceramics material or of a similar ceramic having a high electro-optic coefficient (quadratic). To advantage, the electrodes may be embedded in the sheet layer. Each modulating element is aligned with and connected to a corresponding drive circuit, part of an integrated circuit structure. Conveniently, solder bumps are used to this end.Light is directed onto the array of modulating elements by an optical interface. This may comprise an array of micro-lenses which too may be aligned by solder bumps. A second reflector may be added to each modulating element, each then being optically resonant.

Abstract: An electronic device, such as a Surface Wave, Bulk Wave or pyroelectric device, exploiting the polar nature of an active material in which the active material is lithium tetraborate or a closely related compound for example one which is slightly deficient in Lithium or Boron e.g. (Li.sub.2.-+..delta.1)B.sub.4 O.sub.7 or Li.sub.2 (B.sub.4.-+..delta.2)O.sub.7 where .delta..sub.1 and .delta..sub.2 are small numbers.

Abstract: An electronic device, such as a Surface Wave, Bulk Wave or pyroelectric device, exploiting the polar nature of an active material in which the active material is lithium tetraborate or a closely related compound for example one which is slightly deficient in Lithium or Boron e.g. Li.sub.2 .-+., S.sub.1 B.sub.4 O.sub.7 or Li.sub.2 B.sub.4 .-+.S.sub.2 O.sub.7 where S.sub.1 and S.sub.2 are small numbers.