Abstract: A method for producing a piezo actuator includes: providing a green stack including alternately successive green films and inner electrode layers; forming trenches on the outside green stack in areas in which the inner electrode layers are intended to be electrically insulated from the corresponding outer electrodes, the trenches shortening the inner electrode layers from the outside of the green stack toward the inside; filling the trenches with an electrically insulating slurry; further processing the green stack, including filling the trenches with slurry, such that the green films produce piezo electric layers and the green stack produces a piezo stack; mounting two outer electrodes on the outside of the piezo stack, such that the two outer electrodes are alternately electrically connected to the inner electrode layers. The trenches may be filled with the slurry using one of the following methods; screen printing, immersion, spraying, or vacuum infiltration.

Abstract: To provide a conductive film that is flexible, extendable and contractible, and for which the electrical resistance hardly increases even when the conductive film is extended. The conductive film contains an elastomer and metallic filler particles, and satisfies a condition (A) [an average value of reference numbers is 0.8 (1/?m) or more, or the metallic filler particles include flake-like metallic filler particles having a thickness of 1 ?m or less and an aspect ratio of 26 or more and the average value of the reference numbers is 0.4 (1/?m) or more] and a condition (B) [a number of unit areas for which an area percentage of the elastomer is 60% or more is 20 or more], the condition (A) being a conductivity indicator and the condition (B) being a flexibility indicator.

Abstract: A system and method for removing unwanted heat generated by a piezoelectric element of an ultrasound transducer. Some implementations have high thermal conductivity (HTC) material placed adjacent to the piezoelectric element. The HTC material can be thermally coupled to one or more heat sinks. Use of HTC material in conjunction with these piezoelectric element surfaces is managed to avoid degradation of propagating acoustic energy. Use of the HTC material in conjunction with heat sinks allows for creation of thermal paths away from the piezoelectric element. Active cooling of the heat sinks with water or air can further draw heat from the piezoelectric element. Further implementations form a composite matrix of thermally conductive material or interleave thermally conductive layers with piezoelectric material.

Abstract: A three-dimensional woven active fiber composite is disclosed. The composite includes a plurality of actuating fibers configured in a three-dimensional arrangement. The composite further includes a plurality of conductive wire electrodes that are woven through the plurality of actuating fibers. The electrodes may be configured into two dimensional electrode mats that are spaced apart along the length of the composite. Filler fibers may be used between adjacent electrode mats to help reinforce the composite. A sleeve member can also be used to help provide compressive containment for the actuating fibers and conductive wire electrodes.

Abstract: In a multilayer piezoelectric element in which a plurality of piezoelectric layers and a plurality of metal layers are stacked alternately, the plurality of metal layers include a plurality of low-filled metal layers having a lower filling rate of metal composing the metal layers than oppositely disposed metal layers adjacent to each other in a stacking direction. In a multilayer piezoelectric element in which a plurality of piezoelectric layers and a plurality of metal layers are stacked alternately, the plurality of metal layers include a plurality of thin metal layers having a smaller thickness than oppositely disposed metal layers adjacent to each other in a stacking direction.

Abstract: A piezoactuator has multilayer construction. Piezoelectric layers and electrode layers are alternatingly disposed one over the other in a stack. A number of the electrode layers are electrically conductively connected to a contact pin. A continuation is electrically conductively disposed on the contact pin. The continuation has a contact point with the contact pin and a free end for producing an electrical connection of the piezoactuator. A straight line extending through the contact point and the free end of the continuation encloses an angle with the longitudinal axis of the contact pin that is greater than 0° and less than 180°.

Abstract: A multilayered ceramic electronic component includes: a ceramic element having a plurality of dielectric layers laminated therein; first inner electrodes formed on the dielectric layers disposed in upper and lower portions in the ceramic element, the width of a portion of each of the first inner electrodes exposed from one end face of the ceramic element being less than that of a portion thereof disposed within the ceramic element; and second inner electrodes formed on the dielectric layers disposed in the middle portion in the ceramic element, the width of a portion of each of the second inner electrodes exposed from one end face of the ceramic element being equal to that of a portion thereof disposed within the ceramic element.

Abstract: A multi-layer piezoelectric element having high durability of which amount of displacement is suppressed from varying even when operated continuously over a long period of time with a higher electric field under a high pressure is provided. The multi-layer piezoelectric element which has a multi-layer structure, the multi-layer structure comprising a plurality of piezoelectric material layers and a plurality of metal layers that are stacked alternately, wherein the piezoelectric material layer is constituted from a plurality of piezoelectric crystal grains, the plurality of metal layers comprise internal electrodes and low-rigidity metal layer that has rigidity lower than those of the internal electrodes and the piezoelectric material layer, and wherein the low-rigidity metal layer has a plurality of metal parts that are separated from each other, and an end of the metal part infiltrates between the piezoelectric crystal grains.

Abstract: To provide a multi-layer piezoelectric element which is easy to be fabricated and which exhibits excellent durability, even when it is driven continuously for a long time under high electric field and high pressure. The multi-layer piezoelectric element comprising a stacked body wherein a plurality of piezoelectric layers and a plurality of metal layers are stacked alternately one on another and it is driven by applying a voltage to adjacent and opposing metal layers, wherein an average grain size of the piezoelectric crystal grains in a region of the piezoelectric layer, in which region the piezoelectric layer is sandwiched between the adjacent and opposing internal electrode in the stacking direction.

Abstract: A physical quantity sensor (100), which can detect multiple physical quantities simultaneously has flexibility or bendability over the entire body thereof. The sensor (100) has a first electrode layer (2) formed on a substrate (1) and first and second piezoelectric elements (3a, 3b) arranged in parallel on the electrode layer (2). Two additional electrode layers (4a, 4b) are formed on the piezoelectric elements (3a, 3b). The substrate (1), the electrode layer (2), first piezoelectric element (3a), one of the additional electrode layers (4a) and protective layers (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e) constitute a first physical quantity detection unit (6), and the substrate (1), the first electrode layer (2), the second piezoelectric element (3b) and the other additional electrode layer (4b) (a fourth electrode layer) constitute a second physical quantity detection unit (7).

Abstract: A piezoelectric actuator is provided, including a piezoelectric layer which is joined to a joining member and which has a coefficient of linear expansion smaller than a coefficient of linear expansion of the joining member; a first electrode which is arranged on one surface of the piezoelectric layer; a second electrode which is arranged on a portion of the one surface of the piezoelectric layer different from the first electrode and which is in conduction with the first electrode; and a low dielectric layer which is formed between the piezoelectric layer and the second electrode and which has a dielectric constant lower than a dielectric constant of the piezoelectric layer.

Abstract: Electromechanical systems dilation mode resonator (DMR) structures are disclosed. The DMR includes a first electrode layer, a second electrode layer, and a piezoelectric layer formed of a piezoelectric material. The piezoelectric layer has dimensions including a lateral distance (D), in a plane of an X axis and a Y axis perpendicular to the X axis, and a thickness (T), along a Z axis perpendicular to the X axis and the Y axis. A numerical ratio of the thickness and the lateral distance, T/D, is configured to provide a mode of vibration of the piezoelectric layer with displacement along the Z axis and along the plane of the X axis and the Y axis responsive to a signal provided to one or more of the electrodes. Ladder filter circuits can be constructed with DMRs as series and/or shunt elements, and the resonators can have spiral configurations.

Abstract: A piezoelectric actuator is provided, including a piezoelectric layer arranged on one surface of a base member; a plurality of driving electrodes arranged on one surface of the piezoelectric layer; a plurality of leading electrodes led from the driving electrodes to apply a voltage to the driving electrodes; and a low dielectric layer arranged between the piezoelectric layer and the leading electrode, and having a dielectric constant lower than that of the piezoelectric layer. Surroundings of driving areas of the piezoelectric layer including areas facing the plurality of driving electrodes are joined to the base member. The plurality of leading electrodes extend to outside of the driving areas, respectively, some of the plurality of leading electrodes being led in a predetermined first direction, and others of the plurality of leading electrodes being led in a second direction different from the first direction.

Abstract: Electrical energy generation apparatuses, in which a solar battery device and a piezoelectric device are combined in a single body by using a plurality of nano wires formed of a semiconductor material having piezoelectric properties.

Abstract: A piezoelectric actuator unit which undergoes less change in the amount of displacement and shows high durability in continuous operation under a high voltage and a high pressure over a long period of time is provided. The piezoelectric actuator unit including a multi-layer piezoelectric element having piezoelectric layers and metal layers with the piezoelectric layers and the metal layers being stacked one on another, and a case which houses the multi-layer piezoelectric element, wherein at least one of the plurality of metal layers is stress relieving layer which consists of a plurality of partial metal layers that are scattered throughout the entire region between two piezoelectric layers which adjoin the partial metal layers in the direction of stacking, and voids, and a peel-off section is formed at least in a part of the interface between the stress relieving layer and the piezoelectric layer that adjoins therewith.

Abstract: An ultrasonic actuator includes an actuator body configured by alternately stacking piezoelectric layers, and a positive and a negative electrode layers. The positive electrode layer includes a first through a fourth positive split electrodes and a positive diagonal-connection electrode connecting together the first and the third positive split electrodes. The second and the fourth positive split electrodes are connected together outside the positive electrode layer. The negative electrode layer includes a first through a fourth negative split electrodes and a negative diagonal-connection electrode connecting together the first and the third negative split electrodes. The second and the fourth negative split electrodes are connected together outside the negative electrode layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a piezoelectric resonator having combined thickness and width vibrational modes are disclosed. A piezoelectric resonator may include a piezoelectric substrate and a first electrode coupled to a first surface of the piezoelectric substrate. The piezoelectric resonator may further include a second electrode coupled to a second surface of the piezoelectric substrate, where the first surface and the second surface are substantially parallel and define a thickness dimension of the piezoelectric substrate. Furthermore, the thickness dimension and the width dimension of the piezoelectric substrate are configured to produce a resonance from a coherent combination of a thickness vibrational mode and a width vibrational mode when an excitation signal is applied to the electrodes.

Abstract: Provided is a multi-layer piezoelectric element in which the amount of the positional displacement can be suppressed even when continuous driving is performed for a long time under high electrical field and high pressure, and which may have a good durability. The laminated piezoelectric element comprises a stacked body in which piezoelectric layers and metal layers are stacked alternately one on another. The metal layers comprise internal electrodes and a low-rigidity metal layer which has rigidity lower than those of the piezoelectric layer and the internal electrode. The low-rigidity metal layer comprises a plurality of metal parts isolated from each other via voids, and a covering layer which covers at least a part of the metal parts.

Abstract: This aims to provide a multi-layer piezoelectric element, which is made excellent in durability and suppressed in the reduction of a displacement degree, even if the element is largely displaced or driven at a high speed, and an injection device and a fuel injection system using the element. The multi-layer piezoelectric element comprises a stacked body comprising a plurality of ceramic layers and a plurality of internal electrode layers, each of the plurality of internal electrode layers being sandwiched between ceramic layers of the plurality of ceramic layers that are located opposite to each other. The plurality of ceramic layers comprises a plurality of piezoelectric layers, and a low-rigidity ceramic layer which has a rigidity lower than that of the plurality of piezoelectric layers and that of the plurality of internal electrode layers.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a multilayer polymeric actuator includes the following steps: arranging a rotating winding core; winding a dielectric film of polymeric material around the winding core; during winding, applying a conductive material on the dielectric film exposed face, in which the application occurs intermittently according to a pre-established sequence, and according to a first and a second geometrical application pattern mutually alternated at each winding turn, so as to form a roll; radially cutting the roll at the ends of a circumferentially localized zone; and connecting a conductive material layers having the first geometrical application pattern one to the other and the conductive material layers having the second geometrical application pattern one to the other.

Abstract: A piezoelectric transformer includes a single crystal relaxor ferroelectric element poled along a [0 11] direction and selected from the group consisting of PZN-PT, PMN-PZT, PZN-PT and PMN-PT. The element has two opposed surfaces substantially perpendicular to the [0 11] direction with an input electrode and an output electrode positioned on one surface. The output electrode is isolated from electrical communication with the input electrode. A ground electrode is positioned on the second, opposed surface. Input electrical energy results in piezoelectric change in the element that is mechanically coupled through the element to generate piezoelectric output energy.

Abstract: A vibrator includes a base substrate, a tuning fork type vibrating body, a first vibrating body, a second vibrating body, a first extraction electrode at the one vibration arm portion, a second extraction electrode at the other vibration arm portion, and an input/output port at the base portion. The input/output port is configured to input/output an electric signal to/from each of the first extraction electrode, the second extraction electrode, and the excitation electrodes of the vibration arm portions. The tuning fork type vibrating body is configured to generate a flexural vibration in reverse phase to the contour vibration of the first and second vibrating bodies, so as to absorb the contour vibration of the first and second vibrating bodies.

Abstract: A piezoelectric actuator includes a cantilever membrane. A thin film sheet is affixed to one side of the cantilever membrane to bend the membrane in multiple directions in response to an electric field induced within the thin film sheet. A plurality of coplanar electrodes disposed on the thin film sheet are interdigitated in relation to one another to generate the electric field during application of a voltage across interdigitated electrodes.

Abstract: A piezoelectric device includes a piezoresonator body (3) having opposing first and second surfaces and opposing third and fourth surfaces. The device also includes at least one common electrode (8) disposed on the second surface (15) and electrodes (4a, 4b) disposed on the first surface (14) in pairs along a first longitudinal axis. The device further includes contact elements (5) disposed on the third (16) and the fourth (17) surfaces at contact locations along the first longitudinal axis and aligned between each pair of excitation electrodes. In the device, the piezoelectric body has a first order natural resonance frequency (v1) along a second longitudinal axis and an even order natural resonance frequency (v2) along the first longitudinal axis, where a percent difference between v1 and v2 is greater than 0% and less than or equal to 20%.

Abstract: A multilayer electroactive polymer actuator and a method of manufacturing the same. The multilayer electroactive polymer actuator is divided into an actuating area and a non-actuating area. A plurality of driving electrodes, each formed on a side of the respective polymer layer to correspond to the actuating area. A plurality of extension electrodes connected to the driving electrodes and a common electrode for vertically connecting the extension electrodes are formed to correspond to the non-actuating area. A via hole is formed through the plurality of non-actuating layers and has a diameter which increases in a stepwise manner upwards. The common electrode is formed in the via hole. The driving electrode includes an alloy of aluminum and copper. The extension electrode is formed of material having a small reactivity with respect to laser as compared to the reactivity of the polymer layer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a boundary acoustic wave device includes the steps of forming an electrode on a first medium layer, forming a second medium layer so as to cover the electrode on the first medium layer, and forming a sound absorbing layer on an external surface of the second medium layer. The sound absorbing layer has an acoustic velocity of transverse waves that is lower than an acoustic velocity of transverse waves of the second medium layer.

Abstract: A multi-layer piezoelectric element of high durability wherein external electrodes do not peel off the surface of a stack even when operated continuously over a long period of time under a high electric field and a high pressure, a method for manufacturing the same and an injection apparatus using the same are provided. The multi-layer piezoelectric element comprises a stack 10 consisting of a plurality of piezoelectric layers 1 and a plurality of metal layers 2 which are stacked alternately one on another and external electrodes (covering member) 4 that cover at least a part of the side faces of the stack 10, wherein at least one metal layer 2a among the plurality of metal layers 2 is a porous metal layer 2a which has more voids than the metal layers 2b that adjoin the metal layer 2a on both sides thereof in the stacking direction, and a part of the external electrodes 4 infiltrates between two piezoelectric layers 1, 1 which adjoin the porous metal layer 2a in the stacking direction.

Abstract: A multi-DOF piezoelectric actuator that may be constructed with sizes of about or less than one millimetre. The multi-DOF piezoelectric actuator is capable of generating motion of a rotor element or slider element, about or in, each of the three fundamental axes of three dimensional space. The actuator can comprise a piezoelectric element (10) having one or more sidefaces, a first endface, and a second endface, wherein at least one or more sidefaces comprise a plurality of separate sideface electrodes (11) and at least one of the first or second endfaces comprise an endface electrode (12). A transducer element (30,40) and isolation structure (5) for use in a piezoelectric actuator are also described.

Abstract: A piezo electrical component has a stack of piezo electrical layers arranged over each other and electrode layers arranged therebetween. The stack has at least one first piezo electrical layer having a first piezo electrical charge constant and, directly adjacent thereto, at least one second piezo electrical layer having a second piezo electrical charge constant. The piezo electrical charge constant describes an expansion of the piezo electrical layer perpendicular to an electrical field at a voltage 6 applied to the electrode layers. The first piezo electrical charge constant is different from the second piezo electrical charge constant.

Abstract: The resonator comprises an oscillating element and first and second excitation electrodes of the oscillating element. An AC signal generator is connected to the first and second excitation electrodes and delivers first and second signals of the same amplitudes and in antiphase on the first and second electrodes. A first DC voltage source is connected to a third electrode. A second DC voltage source is connected to a fourth electrode. An additional electrode is electrically connected to the oscillating element. A signal representative of oscillation of the oscillating element is provided by the additional electrode formed by an anchoring point of the oscillating element and biased by a third DC voltage.

Abstract: In a monolithic ceramic electronic component, given that an interval between outer-layer dummy conductors adjacent to each other in an outer layer portion is d1, and that an interval between first and second inner electrodes adjacent to each other in an inner layer portion is d2, 1.7d2?d1 is satisfied. By reducing a density of the outer-layer dummy conductors in the outer layer portion on that condition, pressing of the inner electrodes through the outer-layer dummy conductors is relieved in a pressing step before firing. As a result, a distance between the inner electrodes can be prevented from being locally shortened. It is hence possible to effectively reduce and prevent degradation of reliability of the monolithic ceramic electronic component, e.g., a reduction of BDV.

Abstract: A piezoelectric component includes at least one planned fracture layer for generating and guiding cracks in the component in a controlled manner. The planned fracture layer is disposed between two electrode layers adjacent to each other in the direction of the stack. The distance d2 of the two electrode layers is greater than the distance d1 of two adjacent electrode layers between which no planned fracture layer is provided.

Abstract: Microelectromechanical resonators include a resonator body anchored to a surrounding substrate by at least one support that holds the resonator body opposite a recess in the substrate. The resonator body has first and second pluralities of interdigitated drive and sense electrodes thereon. The first plurality of interdigitated drive and second electrodes are aligned to a first axis of acoustic wave propagation in the resonator body when the resonator body is operating at resonance. In contrast, the second plurality of interdigitated drive and sense electrodes are aligned to a second axis of acoustic wave propagation in the resonator body. This second axis of acoustic wave propagation preferably extends at an angle in a range from 60° to 120° relative to the first axis and, more preferably, at an angle of 90° relative to the first axis.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a piezoelectric oscillating circuit in thin film technology, wherein the oscillating circuit includes a predetermined natural frequency and a plurality of layers, first of all at least a first layer of the piezoelectric oscillating circuit is generated. Subsequently, by processing the first layer a frequency correction is performed. Subsequently, at least a second layer of the piezoelectric oscillating circuit is generated and processed for performing a second frequency correction.

Abstract: This disclosure provides implementations of electromechanical systems resonator structures, devices, apparatus, systems, and related processes. In one aspect, a resonator structure includes a first conductive layer of electrodes and a second conductive layer of electrodes. A piezoelectric layer including a piezoelectric material is disposed between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer. One or more trenches can be formed in the piezoelectric layer on one or both sides in space regions between the electrodes. In some implementations, a process for forming the resonator structure includes removing an exposed portion of the piezoelectric layer to define a trench, for instance, by partial etching or performing an isotropic release etch using a XeF2 gas or SF6 plasma. In some other implementations, a portion of a sacrificial layer is removed to define a trench in the piezoelectric layer.

Abstract: In a laminated ceramic electronic component, a first functional portion and a second functional portion are disposed within a ceramic element body so as to be adjacent to each other along a height direction, first and second internal electrodes face each other through a ceramic layer in the first functional portion, and third and fourth internal electrodes whose number of laminated layers is different from the number of laminated layers of the first and second internal electrodes face each other through the ceramic layer in the second functional portion. A marking internal conductor is disposed on the same plane as the first internal electrode and/or the second internal electrode, a marking external conductor is disposed on the side surface of the ceramic element body so as to link a plurality of exposed marking internal conductors such that it is possible to recognize vertical directionality.

Abstract: This disclosure provides implementations of electromechanical systems resonator structures, devices, apparatus, systems, and related processes. A resonator structure generally includes a first conductive layer with an input electrode, an output electrode, and a ground electrode. The ground electrode is disposed between the input electrode and the output electrode. In some implementations, the second conductive layer includes an input electrode, an output electrode, and a ground electrode. In some other implementations, a second conductive layer includes a pair of ground electrodes and a signal electrode in the form of an input or output electrode disposed between the ground electrodes. A piezoelectric layer is disposed between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer.

Abstract: A piezoelectric actuator comprises a co-fired stack of piezoelectric elements formed from a piezoelectric material and a plurality of positive internal electrodes interdigitated with a plurality of negative internal electrodes throughout the stack to define active regions of the piezoelectric material which are responsive to a voltage applied across the internal electrodes, in use. An external positive electrode connects with the positive internal electrodes and an external negative electrode connects with the negative internal electrodes. The actuator is characterized in that the stack further comprises means for deliberately creating artificial cracks within the stack at a location at which the artificial cracks do not give rise to a short circuit between the internal electrodes but serve to relieve stresses within the piezoelectric material.

Abstract: The invention encompasses a method for production of electric power from a system of contacts of nanostructured conductive surfaces with a thin water-containing layer, and a hydroelectric generator for carrying out the method. The basis of the invention is a discovery, confirmed by experiments, that the contacts of the conductive surfaces, having nano-dimensional structural and/or parametrical heterogeneities, with the water-containing layer, having a thickness from several nanometers to a fraction of a millimeter, under certain conditions, described in the present disclosure, generate electromotive force in an external electrical load. The invention utilizes new principles for building power systems, which can find further wide application in various areas of science and technology.

Abstract: Periodic signal generators include an oscillator circuit, which is configured to generate a first periodic signal at an output thereof, and a piezoelectric-based microelectromechanical resonator. The resonator is configured to generate a second periodic signal at a first electrode thereof, which is electrically coupled to the oscillator circuit. A variable impedance circuit is provided, which is electrically coupled to a second electrode of the piezoelectric-based microelectromechanical resonator. The variable impedance circuit is configured to passively modify a frequency of the second periodic signal by changing an induced electromechanical stiffness in at least a portion of the piezoelectric-based microelectromechanical resonator.

Abstract: A flexural vibrator element has a vibrator arm extending from a base section and having a rectangular cross-sectional shape, the vibrator arm having first and second step sections composed of step surfaces intersecting respectively with a left side surface and a right side surface, and step side surfaces intersecting respectively with an upper surface and a lower surface, between the lower surface, the upper surface and the left side surface, the right side surface, and first and fourth detection electrodes on the left and right side surfaces and second and third detection electrodes on the step side surfaces are respectively separated in a thickness direction of the vibrator arm. The first through fourth detection electrodes are patterned with accuracy by exposure from the upper surface and the lower surface using a common exposure device by existing photo etching.

Abstract: Provided is a highly durable laminated piezoelectric element wherein a stress generated at a portion, i.e., the boundary between an active region and inactive region, is reduced. A method for manufacturing such laminated piezoelectric element is also provided. The laminated piezoelectric element has a laminated structure (15) wherein a plurality of piezoelectric layers (11) and internal electrode layers (13) are alternately laminated. The piezoelectric layer (11) contains a metal element other than those elements constituting piezoelectric ceramic, i.e., the main component of the piezoelectric layer (11), and at a portion (11a) of the piezoelectric layer (11) at the vicinity of an end of the internal electrode layer (13), metal particles having a metal element as a main component exist. The content of the metal at the portion (11a) at the vicinity of the end is higher than the content of a compound of the metal element and a nonmetal element.

Abstract: Two or more outer-layer dummy conductors are successively arranged at predetermined intervals in the height direction, thereby forming a plurality of outer-layer dummy groups. Given that an interval between the adjacent outer-layer dummy conductors within each of the outer-layer dummy groups is d and an interval between the adjacent outer-layer dummy groups is g, g is greater than d. On that condition, the outer-layer dummy groups can be positioned satisfactorily apart away from each other, while plating deposition points are ensured. As a result, pressing of inner electrodes through the outer-layer dummy conductors can be relieved, whereby the distance between the inner electrodes can be prevented from being locally shortened and a reduction of BDV can be prevented.

Abstract: In a monolithic ceramic electronic component, where a distance in the height direction between one of outer-layer dummy conductors in an outer layer portion, which is arranged closest to an inner layer portion, and one of inner electrodes in the inner layer portion, which is arranged closest to the outer layer portion, is b, and an opposing distance between an adjacent pair of first inner electrodes and second inner electrodes in the height direction is t, 2t?b is satisfied, such that the outer-layer dummy conductors can be spaced a sufficient distance away from the inner electrodes, and such that the distance between the inner electrodes can be prevented from being reduced when the inner electrodes arranged in overlapping relation to the outer-layer dummy conductors are pressed in a pressing step before firing, and a reduction of BDV can be prevented.

Abstract: There is provided a multilayer ceramic electronic component, including: a multilayer body having a dielectric layer; and a plurality of internal electrode layers provided in the multilayer body, and having ends exposed to at least one face of the multilayer body, wherein, a ratio of T2 to T1 (T2/T1) ranges from 0.70 to 0.95, when T1 represents a thickness of a capacity formation portion formed by overlapping the plurality of internal electrode layers and T2 represents a distance between ends of outermost internal electrodes arranged on one face of the multilayer body to which the ends of the internal electrodes are exposed, and a thickness D1 of the multilayer body, in which the capacity formation portion is formed, is greater than a thickness D2 of a first side of the multilayer body to which the ends of the internal electrodes are exposed.

Abstract: There is provided a piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 1 comprising a piezoelectric/electrostrictive body 30 made of a piezoelectric/electrostrictive ceramic composition containing Pb(Ni1/3Nb2/3)O3—PbTiO3—PbZrO3 ternary solid solution system composition as the main components, and an electrode disposed on the piezoelectric/electrostrictive body, wherein the ternary solid solution system composition is represented by the following composition formula: (Pb1-xSrx)?{(Ti1-yZry)a(Ni?/3Nb2/3)b(Al?/2Nb1/2)c}O3 (where 0.005?x?0.03, 0.45?y?0.54, 0.58?a?0.91, 0.07?b?0.36, 0.02?c?0.08, 0.97???1.03, 0.97???1.03, 0.97???1.03, and (a+b+c=1.000)).

Abstract: A method for producing a piezoelectric multilayer component is disclosed. Piezoelectric green films and electrode material are provided, arranged alternately on top of one another and sintered. The electrode material is provided with a PbO-containing coating and/or PbO is mixed into the electrode material.

Abstract: A piezoelectric ceramic material has the general formula: P1-c-dDcZd(PbO)w where: 0<c?0.025; 0?d?0.05; 0?w?0.05; where P stands for a compound having the formula [Pb1-vAg1v][(Zr1-yTiy)1-uCuIIu]O3, where 0.50?1-y?0.60; 0<u?0.0495; 0?v?0.02, and D stands for a component of the general formula [(M1O)1-p(M2O)p]a[Nb2O5]1-a, where M1 stands for Ba1-tSrt, where 0?t?1, M2 stands for Sr and/or Ca, and 0<p<1 and ?<a<1 and Z stands for a compound of the general formula: Pb(L1Rr)O3 where L is present in the oxidation state II or III, and R is present in the oxidation state VI or V, and: LII is selected from among Fe, Mg, Co, Ni and Cu in combination with RVI=W, where 1=½ and r=½, or LIII is selected from among Fe, Cr and Ga in combination with Rv=Nb, Ta or Sb, where 1=½ and r=½, or LIII is selected from among Fe, Cr and Ga in combination with RVI=W, where 1=? and r=?.

Abstract: A fluid conveyance device includes a substrate, and a disk-shaped piezoelectric element arranged in a bendable manner on the substrate. A plurality of substantially circular concentric segment electrodes are provided on the piezoelectric element, and are provided with voltages with phases that are shifted. A wavy ring deformation is thus produced on the piezoelectric element. A pocket produced between the piezoelectric element and the substrate is moved in a radial direction so as to convey a fluid from an outer substantially circular portion to a central portion and to discharge the fluid from the central portion.

Abstract: A multi-layer piezoelectric element includes a stacked body including piezoelectric layers and internal electrode layers, which are alternately stacked; an external electrode layer attached to a side surface of the stacked body, the external electrode layer being elongated in a stacking direction of the stacked body and electrically connected with ends of the internal electrode layers which are exposed on the side surface; and an external electrode plate bonded to the external electrode layer therealong by an electrically conducting bonding material. The external electrode plate is provided with slits which extend from opposite long sides toward a center thereof in such a manner that tips of the respective slits overlap each other when viewed in the stacking direction of the stacked body, and a portion thereof where the tips of the respective slits overlap each other is provided with a hole extending along an extension direction of the slit.