The effects of temperature and irradiation on piezoelectric acoustic transducers and materials

The testing, selection and application of materials for piezoelectric acoustic transducers are discussed. The construction of high frequency transducers and the effects of irradiation and temperature on types designed for arduous service are described. The criteria for assessing piezoelectric materials are given as a preamble to a brief discussion of the effects on them of temperature and irradiation. These materials include the powder-route ceramics, lead metaniobate and lead-zirconate-titanate and the single crystal materials, quartz, tourmaline, lithium niobate and strontium niobate. Conclusions on the materials are concerned with the probable future temperature ranges for their applications.