Abstract: A piezoelectric device includes a first electrode, a second electrode disposed in opposing, spaced relation to the first electrode, a ferroelectric liquid crystal interposed between the first and second electrodes, a first alignment layer formed between the first electrode and the ferroelectric liquid crystal, and a second alignment layer formed between the second electrode and the ferroelectric liquid crystal.

Abstract: A SAW device having a piezoelectric substrate and interleaved metal electrodes formed on the substrate, in which the formation of the electrodes on the substrate is carried out by sputtering. Further, the metal electrodes may contain an additive of Cu, Ti, Zn, Mg, Fe, Ni, Cr, Ga, Ge, Sn, Pd or Ta. The resulting SAW device is capable of dealing with high frequency electric signals of a larger amplitude, or higher power electric signals, as compared with the conventional SAW device.

Abstract: A piezoelectric device includes a first electrode, a second electrode disposed in opposing, spaced relation to the first electrode, a ferroelectric liquid crystal interposed between the first and second electrodes, a first alignment layer formed between the first electrode and the ferroelectric liquid crystal, and a second alignment layer formed between the second electrode and the ferroelectric liquid crystal.

Abstract: A piezoelectric transducer useful for example as a sound source or a strain detector includes a ferroelectric liquid crystal sealed between two baseplates with electrodes and alignment layers on the inner facing surfaces of the baseplates. One of the baseplates is thicker than the other, or is of a different material, so that the two baseplates have different flexural rigidity.

Abstract: A thin film pattern and a method of fabricating the thin film pattern available for an ultrasonic transducer are disclosed. That is, an oriented thin film made of a material different from the material of a substrate is formed on the substrate, a mask having a predetermined pattern is formed on the thin film, and anisotropic etching is carried out for the thin film in accordance with the predetermined pattern of the mask, by using an etchant for selectively etching a predetermined crystallographic plane parallel to the surface of the thin film, to form the predetermined pattern in the thin film, thereby obtaining a thin film pattern.

Abstract: A piezoelectric laminate comprises a piezoelectric layer and an insulating substrate layer rigidly bonded thereto. During poling, conditions are established under which a poling potential is established at the boundary of the layers which insures that a substantial part of the poling voltage is dropped across the piezoelectric layer. The poling voltage is maintained for a period greater than the time constant under the poling conditions of the material to which the poling voltage is applied. In one embodiment, the poling conditions are achieved by substantially enhancing the conductivity of the substrate layer relative to that of the piezoelectric layer. In a second embodiment, an intermediate bond layer is selectively switched from a non-conductive to a conductive state in response to a selected stimulus so as to form an electrode for facilitating the application of a poling field directly across the piezoelectric layer.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for providing damping of undesired modes of piezoelectric vibrators is disclosed that eliminates the tedious and often inaccurate methods of known mass-loading techniques. Instead, the arrangement relies on physically altering a controlled amount of the piezoelectric material located at a predetermined point to effect the selective damping needed to minimize the undesired responses and to minimally interfere with the desired mode of operation.

Abstract: Techniques for adjusting the surface acoustic wave velocity of a packaged SAW device are described. A first technique involves depositing a film from a cover of the device onto a surface wave propagating surface thereby providing a localized region on said surface where the acoustic properties and, hence, the velocity characteristics of the surface wave propagating surface are altered. An alternate embodiment of a pair of beams are directed through a transparent cover and converge on the surface wave propagating surface, selectively removing a portion of said surface to provide a localized alteration in the acoustic properties of the surface wave propagating surface.

Abstract: A piezoelectric element of laminate type comprising a plurality of films or thin sheets of piezoelectric material of the same size, each having an internal electrode formed on its entire surface, said films or sheets being laminated so that the end face of each internal electrode is exposed at the side of the laminate, wherein an insulating layer is formed by a photosensitive composition to electrically connect every second internal electrode.

Abstract: A piezoelectric actuator of a lamination or stack type has a plurality of sheet-like electrostrictive elements and oppositely poled electrode layers provided on the major surfaces of the each element, respectively, each electrode layer being arranged so as to define an insulating zone on the one end portion of the associated major surface. An insulating gap is formed between the adjacent elements by the insulating zone(s) and is filled with an elastic material.

Abstract: A solid state electronic device having a thin film of an Al (aluminum) alloy Li (lithium) on the surface of a substrate for a surface acoustic wave (SAW). Interdigital electrodes, electric wiring patterns and bonding pads are formed by the thin film of the Li-added Al alloy. This thin film suppresses migration which occurs when a high density current is supplied to the device or a large amplitude SAW is generated. The thin film, which provides a small loss and relatively low hardness, provides a desired power handling capability and high yield of wire bonding. The this film assures high endurance to failure of the device and sufficient life of the device.

Abstract: A surface acoustic wave device has its inter--digital transducers made of a 3--metal alloyed material consisting of aluminum, copper and magnesium.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrode for piezoelectric composites having high acoustic attenuation. The electrode is composed of a first layer having high elasticity and lower conductivity and of a second layer lying thereabove that has higher conductivity. The invention also provides a method for the manufacture thereof. The first layer is an intrinsically conductive plastic directly deposited on the ceramic whose polymerization is initiated by chemical or anodic oxidation of the corresponding monomers. The second layer is fashioned of adequately conductive metal and is preferably first sputtered on or vapor-deposited in a thinner layer and is then subsequently electrolytically reinforced. Piezoelectric composites that exhibit high acoustic attenation and, thus, prevent an acoustic crosstalk between the individual transducer elements can be manufactured from piezoelectric ceramic lamina or foils provided with such electrodes.

Abstract: A method is described for making an electroconductive composite sheet electrode which is conformable and in which a slit-and-expanded or perforated nickel screen is embedded by heat and pressure, so that electrical leads can be easily and strongly attached to the nickel screen before or after integrally bonding a electroconductive sheet electrode to each side of at least one adjacent piezoelectric ceramic/polymer composite sheet electrode which is non-conductive. After poling, the resultant transducer has an increased combined transverse stiffness which increases the hydrostatic voltage coefficient, g.sub.h, as well as the overall hydrophone Figure of Merit.

Abstract: In a SAW device comprising a piezoelectric substrate and at least one set of metallic electrodes formed on the piezoelectric substrate, at least one set of the electrodes have a laminated structure comprised of a layer of an aluminum film added with an impurity at a concentration of 6 wt. % or less and another layer of a film of pure aluminum or aluminum added with an impurity at a concentration of 0.4 wt. % or less. The SAW device having the laminated structure of electrodes can handle high frequency electric signals of higher power and/or larger amplitudes.

Abstract: A piezoelectric sensing element is formed from bonding two piezoelectric layers with an intermediate metallic film. The intermediate metallic film is comprised of two separate films, which were sputtered onto the inner surfaces of the respective piezoelectric layers, which are then placed in contact with each other. The combination of piezoelectric layers and film is next heated at an elevated temperature for fusing the respective sputtered alloy films so that the piezoelectric layers are bonded into a piezo-pair sensor. The layers to be joined are chamfered so that the center electrode appears as a notch on the finished piezo-pair to allow a connection to the center electrode for poling and sensing.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer includes a piezoelectric member consisting of either a unpolarized piezoelectric polymer material or the like, or an in-advance polarized piezoelectric polymer material or the like, a first flexible substrate on which a first electrode set and their connecting leads are formed, these being bonded to one surface of the piezoelectric member, and a second flexible substrate on which a second electrode and its connecting lead are formed, these being bonded to the other surface of the piezoelectric member, wherein the piezoelectric member is sandwiched between the first electrode set and second electrode. The electrodes can apply a voltage to polarize the unpolarized piezoelectric polymer material in a manufacturing process of the piezoelectric member, or apply a drive voltage to the finished ultrasonic transducer. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing the ultrasonic transducer.

Abstract: A laminated terminal layer is at least a double layer comprising a first layer made of a hard material and a second layer made of a soft material. The first layer is flexible. The second layer is overlapped on the first layer and in contact with an electrode of a piezoelectric ceramic resonator. Preferably, the hard material is phosphor bronze and the soft material is Al, Ag, or Pb as a simple substance or, any alloy thereof.

Abstract: In an acoustic transducer comprising a lower electrode, a zinc oxide (ZnO) film, which is a piezo-electrically active body, and at least one upper electrode superposed one after another on a substrate, the lower electrode consists of at least one gold polycrystalline film deposited by evaporation, interposing a thin chromium film, on the substrate and crystallites of the gold polycrystalline film are so oriented that the standard deviation of the locking curve for the (111) diffraction beam is smaller than 3.degree.. In order to obtain a gold film having such a good orientation, the thickness of the chromium film is limited to 20 nm at largest. The zinc oxide film thus superposed on the lower electrode thus composed is excellent in c-axis orientation and thus permits to obtain a high electro-mechanical coupling factor efficiency of the acoustic transducer.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a high-frequency piezoelectric resonator includes the steps of (a) forming a region of reduced thickness in a central portion of a quartz disk, a step zone being formed at the transition between the thinned region and the non-thinned region; (b) depositing a conductive tongue on the step so as to extend over a portion of the non-thinned region and over a portion of the thinned region; (c) mounting two lead attachments on the disk; and (d) depositing first and second electrodes on the disc, each electrode coupled to a respective one of the lead attachments, a portion of the first electrode being deposited on the conductive tongue.

Abstract: A piezoelectric coaxial cable comprises a conductive polymer core comprising a high molecular weight polymeric material having conductive particles dispersed therein, a piezoelectric polymer layer surrounding the conductive polymer core, and an outer conductor surrounding the piezoelectric polymer layer. The high molecular weight polymeric material of the conductive polymer core comprises a polymer capable of being intimately bonded to the piezoelectric polymer.

Abstract: A piezoelectric resonator utilizing the longitudinal vibration mode of piezoelectric ceramics. Exciting electrodes are formed on the lengthwise opposite end surface of the piezoelectric ceramic. Lengthwise extending surfaces of the piezoelectric ceramic are formed with insulating layers. A pair of take-out electrodes are provided which cover the insulating layers and which are connected to the exciting electrodes.

Abstract: A thick film device conductor arrangement suitable for making connections between a resiliently mounted element such as a surface acoustic delay line and adjacent thick film conductors and then with the device connecting pins. The thick film conductors include a double layer structure of differing noble metals each selected for desirable properties in designated areas of the device.

Abstract: A mechanically assembled non-bonded ultrasonic transducer includes a substrate, a piezoelectric film, a wetting agent, a thin metal electrode, and a lens held in intimate contact by a mechanical clamp. No epoxy or glue is used in the assembly of this device.

Abstract: The high-frequency piezoelectric resonator comprises a quartz plate or disk having a region of reduced thickness which forms a diaphragm and is joined to the remainder of the plate or disk by means of a zone forming a step. A conductive electrode extends from the exterior of the disk or plate to the center of the thinned region and is provided with a conductive tongue constituted by a metallic film-layer of controlled thickness and disposed in the stepped zone. The method involves formation of the disk or plate by ion machining whereas the electrodes and the conductive tongue are formed by the sputtering technique.

Abstract: An improved crystal is provided with an aluminum baseplate, a nickel plating on the aluminum baseplate, and a silver plating on the nickel plating. The nickel is plated on the aluminum baseplate before the aluminum has oxidized to provide high yields of stable crystals.

Abstract: A piezoelectric device comprising a housing that contains a piezoelectric body bearing aluminum film electrodes. The exposed surfaces of the electrodes bear a passivating layer of amorphous aluminum oxide formed by heating the electrodes at a temperature between 250.degree. and 550.degree. C. in an atmosphere containing free oxygen.

Abstract: A piezoelectric resonator chip which includes a piezoelectric chip plate and a pair of electrode patterns which is formed on the opposite surfaces of the piezoelectric chip plate, the electrode patterns face each other through the piezoelectric chip plate. At least one of the electrode patterns has an adjuster pattern which includes a narrow cutting pattern and a separation pattern which is connected to the electrode pattern through the cutting pattern and which faces the other electrode pattern.

Abstract: An Al electrode structure for a zinc oxide thin film in which an intermediate layer of V.sub.2 O.sub.3, Ta, V, Cu, Ni or Ti is provided between the surface of the zinc oxide thin film and the Al electrode. A tuning fork vibrator equipped with such an electrode structure has high reliability in that changes in resonance frequency and series resonance resistance (Ro) with time are small.

Abstract: An electrode structure for a zinc oxide thin film having a SnO.sub.2 layer between the surface of the zinc oxide thin film and the electrode. A tuning fork vibrator equipped with such a structure has a high reliability in that changes in resonance frequency and insulation resistance (IR) with time are small and the increase in series resonance resistance (R.sub.O) is small.

Abstract: Sensor structure integrates multiple piezoelectric bender elements into a single piezoelectric unit. A single base member comprising a plurality of plates of piezoelectric material includes three or more electrodes for forming two or more bender elements. Preferred embodiments include one or more of the following: (i) electrodes for forming inactive regions near structure center and/or ends, (ii) aspects of structural symmetry aiding to establish preferred signal phase and amplitude relationships (iii) base member fashioned according to a three layer laminated structure (iv) circular base member (v) uniform plate polarization (vi) two or four substantially matched bender elements.

Abstract: A data recording sheet in which data signals are stored in a polarizable macromolecular material sheet layer with polarization different locally in the direction of the surfaces of said sheet layer. The sheet layer causes pyroelectric or piezo-electric polarization through polarization operation, and the data signals thus stored are reproduced in a pyroelectric or piezo-electric mode. The polarizable macromolecular material sheet layer is laminated through a thin intermediate electrode layer on a macromolecular substrate layer whose Young's modulus is greater than that of the sheet layer.

Abstract: A piezoelectric vibrator includes an elongated piezoelectric plate deposited with electrodes for effecting mechanical vibration in the piezoelectric plate. A damper is deposited at each of opposite ends of the elongated piezoelectric plate so as to reduce the size of the piezoelectric plate.

Abstract: A mechanical and electrical connection for a piezoelectric member of polyic material such as polyvinylidene fluoride, and method for forming such a connection. To form the connection, the piezoelectric member is first masked to prevent a preselected portion of its surface from being coated during subsequent coating operations. An electrically conductive member such as a lead wire or a solderable terminal is then attached to the nonmasked area of the piezoelectric member with adhesive such as epoxy. The masked piezoelectric member, the electrically conductive member, and (incidentally) the mask are then coated with a conductive coating such as sputtered gold to electrically connect the conductive member to the piezoelectric member. The mask can now be removed from the piezoelectric member if desired, although it can be left in place as a convenient vise.

Abstract: A wafer of piezoelectric material is provided with electrodes on opposite surfaces thereof. Frequency fine tuning of such resonators is accomplished by relatively thin film of metal applied over the surface of at least one electrode and the adjacent non-electroded wafer material. The metal film is of such small maximum thickness that it functions as a quasi-insulator and is extremely stable over prolonged operating conditions so that the resonator parameters remain constant.

Abstract: A piezoelectric resonator comprises a piezoelectric substrate, a common electrode layer applied on one major surface of the piezoelectric substrate, and at least one electrode layer applied on its second major surface. The piezoelectric substrate is held in position between two or more metallic terminal elements, with the electrode layers held in electrical contact with the terminal elements. The piezoelectric resonator further comprises at least one direction-oriented electroconductive sheet positioned between the electrode layer on the second major surface of the piezoelectric substrate and the associated terminal element. The direction-oriented electroconductive plastic sheet has substantial electroconductivity only across its thickness.

Abstract: A piezoelectric vibrator comprises a housing including a planar insulating substrate having thin film terminals. An insulating layer is provided on the thin film terminals and has a thickness of less than 100 microns, with the thickness of the insulating layer being less than 1/2 the width of the thin film terminals.

Abstract: A structure of an electrode film deposited on a tuning fork-type quartz crystal vibrator in which an electrode film on a tuning fork-type quartz crystal vibrator has a laminated structure obtained by forming, in the order mentioned, three overlapping layers, namely layers of chrome, nickel and silver, or two overlapping layers, namely layers of nickel and silver, on the surface of a tuning fork-shaped quartz crystal from the side nearest thereto, and in which the thickness of each layer of the electrode film is less than 300 A for the chrome layer, less than 500 A for the nickel layer, and less than 2000 A for the silver layer.

Abstract: A subminiature flexural mode quartz crystal vibrator comprises a tuning fork formed by photolithographic techniques from a thin quartz crystal plate obtained by rotating an X-cut plate around the X-axis by an angle of 0.degree. to 10.degree. and further rotating the X-cut plate around the Y'-axis by an angle of 70.degree. to 90.degree., the plate having a thickness of less than 0.2 mm. Electrodes formed on sides of the tines are of a different metallic material from planar electrodes formed on at least one of the top and bottom surfaces of the tines. A side electrode of one tine is electrically connected by an overlapping joint with a planar electrode of the other tine.

Abstract: For coupling RF energy into a piezoelectric transducer, a sheet of conductive foil is held in pressure contact with substantially the entire surface of a transducer electrode. A heat sink is thermally coupled to the sheet of conductive foil through a layer of material that is electrically insulative and also effectively thermally conductive so as to draw heat away from the transducer. Moreover, this layer of material that is interposed between the heat sink and the sheet of conductive foil has the property of creating an acoustic impedance mismatch between the transducer and the heat sink, so that acoustic waves that are launched by the transducer will not be transmitted into the heat sink, but will be confined to the intended medium of acoustic propagation upon which the transducer is mounted.

Abstract: An electric component comprising at least two flat elements is produced by coating a side of one of the elements, a metal sheet, with a co-polymer layer or by taking a sheet having a co-polymer layer thereon, and punching first elements therefrom. The co-polymer layer is softened by heating and the second element is pressed controllably onto the first and into the co-polymer layer. The layer does not run and so maintains an insulating separation between the elements, while bonding the elements firmly together. Piezoceramic resonators and semi-conductors circuits are advantageously joined to punch-formed parts in this manner.

Abstract: A woven mesh of conductively coated stiff filaments is affixed between a first element deformable in response to an applied electronic signal and a second element which has substantially the same configuration as the first element and which may be electrically deformable also. The mesh serves as a center vane between two elements which allows the bender elements to move relative to each other. The bender is supported by peripheral tabs extending from the mesh. A bender structure is produced by coating a woven mesh of conductively coated filaments with an uncured solid epoxy. The mesh and two transducer elements are assembled together and heat and pressure applied to melt and then cure the epoxy, causing the conductive mesh material to make contact with and adhere to the faces of the transducer elements.