Abstract: The present invention relates to an electromechanical converter, a method of manufacturing same, as well as to a composite system including the electromechanical converter. The inventive electromechanical converter consists of at least one elongate fiber (1) made of a piezoelectric material. At least two electrodes (2) are provided at mutually spaced locations on the fiber (1) for subjecting the fiber to an electrical field. The electrodes (2) are in direct contact with the fiber (1) and enclose the fiber (1) partly or completely. The direct contact between the electrode and the fiber permits the optimum introduction of the electrical field into the fiber such that lower electrical potentials on the electrodes are sufficient for polarising the fiber. Another advantage resides in the aspect that the electrode is in direct contact with the fiber not only at one point but over part of the periphery of the fiber. This results in a further enhancement of the introduction of the electrical field.

Abstract: A ceramic monofilament or multifilament fiber having a tensile strength of at least 100 mPa including PbMO.sub.31, where M is a metallic element or a proportionate combination of various metallic elements which can occupy the "B" position in a perovskite lattice. Processes for producing the fiber are also provided. The fibers are useful as ferroelectric or piezoelectric fibers.