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Pushing 'print' on large-scale piezoelectric materials

Researchers developed a simple, inexpensive technique to create large-scale sheets of two-dimensional piezoelectric material, allowing integration onto silicon chips and expansion into surface manufacturing. The method enables the production of free-standing GaPO4 nanosheets for piezo-sensors and energy harvesting applications.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 6, 2018
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Device harvests energy from low-frequency vibrations

Researchers at Penn State have developed a wearable device that harnesses energy from the swing of an arm while walking or jogging, producing enough power to run a personal health monitoring system. The device is more efficient than standard electromagnetic harvesters and can sustain high strains without cracking.

SourcePenn State·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateAug 30, 2018

Flexible, highly efficient multimodal energy harvesting

Researchers at Penn State developed a new composite material that can efficiently harvest mechanical and thermal energy using a 3D piezoelectric ceramic foam supported by a flexible polymer. The material outperforms traditional piezoelectric composites, offering improved flexibility and energy output.

SourcePenn State·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateMay 21, 2018

Electric textile lights a lamp when stretched

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a fabric that converts kinetic energy into electric power. The textile generates electricity when stretched or exposed to pressure, and can currently light an LED, send wireless signals, or drive small electric units.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·DateMar 22, 2018

Designing a new material for improved ultrasound

Researchers at Penn State designed a new material with twice the piezo response of existing commercial ferroelectric ceramics. The material's unique structure increases its dielectric properties and piezoelectric effect, making it suitable for medical ultrasound applications.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 22, 2018
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Demonstration of a single molecule piezoelectric effect

Researchers from IOCB Prague and IP CAS demonstrate a strong converse piezoelectric effect at individual molecules of heptahelicene derivative on a silver surface. The study provides new insights into the electromechanical behavior of individual molecules, opening up possibilities for nanoscale molecular devices.

SourceInstitute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 15, 2018

Today's highest quality composite-piezoelectric developed at NUST MISIS

Researchers have created a composite material with the best piezoelectric properties today, overcoming lead content and weight limitations. The material's polymer component offers advantages in manufacturing and application, making it suitable for high-pressure sensing applications.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 12, 2018

Taking control at the junction

KAUST researchers have created boron-nitride-based alloys with tunable polarization, a crucial property for computer memory. By varying the atomic composition, they can control the spontaneous polarization and piezoelectric constants of these materials.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJan 22, 2018

Biodegradable sensor could help doctors monitor serious health conditions

UConn researchers have created a biodegradable pressure sensor that can be implanted in the body to monitor conditions like chronic lung disease and swelling of the brain. The sensor emits a small electrical charge when pressure is applied, allowing for non-invasive monitoring and potential treatment via electrical stimulation.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 16, 2018

Acoustic device makes piezoelectrics sing to a different tune

Researchers have developed a surface acoustic wave (SAW) device that can achieve frequencies six times higher than most current devices, thanks to the use of embedded interdigital transducers (IDTs). The device also boosts output power by 10 percent compared to conventional devices.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateDec 19, 2017
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Researchers generate electricity from low-cost biomaterial

Irish researchers have discovered that glycine, the simplest amino acid, can generate enough electricity to power electrical devices when tapped or squeezed. This discovery has significant implications for the development of environmentally sustainable and low-cost bio-piezoelectric devices.

SourceUniversity of Limerick·JournalNature Materials·DateDec 4, 2017

The piezoelectric effect of lysozyme was experimentally proved

Scientists from Ural Federal University and the University of Limerick proved that lysozyme exhibits piezoelectric properties, generating electric charges that can power pacemakers and stimulate nerve endings. This discovery has implications for various biomedical applications, including biosensors for disease detection.

SourceUral Federal University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateNov 23, 2017

Piezoelectrics stretch their potential with a method for flexible sticking

Researchers at Pennsylvania State University have developed a novel technique for connecting piezoelectric thin films to flexible polymer substrates, reducing substrate clamping and improving material properties. The new method enables the creation of miniaturized piezoelectric devices with enhanced performance and flexibility.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateOct 25, 2017
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Researchers get straight to the heart of piezoelectric tissues

A recent study using the Sawyer-Tower technique finds no signs of piezoelectricity or ferroelectricity in pig aorta. The researchers tested the tissue's electromechanical properties and found it behaves like a standard dielectric material.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 5, 2017

Irish scientists can now produce electricity from tears

Researchers at the University of Limerick have discovered that applying pressure to crystals of lysozyme, a protein found in egg whites and tears, can generate electricity. This finding has significant implications for innovative applications such as electroactive coatings for medical implants.

SourceUniversity of Limerick·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 2, 2017

Small scale energy harvesters show large scale impact

Researchers from Shahid Charmran University of Ahvaz in Iran have modeled new piezoelectric energy harvester (PEH) technology at the nano-scale level. Their study demonstrates how small-scale dimensions impact nonlinear vibrations and PEH voltage harvesting, revealing significant size effects on output.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateSep 28, 2017

Researchers create magnetic RAM

A team of researchers has developed a novel type of memory called magnetoelectric memory, which reduces energy consumption by a factor of 10,000. This breakthrough technology could enable instant device startup and lower energy costs in computing hardware applications.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateAug 22, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Optical generation of ultrasound via photoacoustic effect

A team of University College London researchers created a method for generating ultrasound via the photoacoustic effect by tailoring optoacoustic surface profiles. They used 3D printing to create samples with specific shapes, allowing them to control where sound fields would focus and even create continuous shapes.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 28, 2017

Creating new physical properties in materials

A collaborative effort demonstrates that the physical properties of SrTiO3 can be changed by a simple electrical treatment, creating the effect known as piezoelectricity. This discovery opens a new chapter for research into new materials and unusual properties.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateNov 29, 2016
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Aviation enhancements, better biosensors could result from new sensor technology

A University of Missouri research team has developed enhanced piezoelectric sensors that can amplify signals, cut costs, and improve reading accuracy. The new technology has wide applications in aviation, detecting structural damage in buildings and bridges, and boosting the capabilities of health monitors.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 23, 2016

Study yields new knowledge about materials for ultrasound and other applications

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have discovered the key to piezoelectric excellence in relaxor-based ferroelectrics, enabling more detailed electrical signals and better images in medical ultrasound. The findings may provide knowledge needed to accelerate the design of functional materials for diverse applications.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 3, 2016

Fish 'biowaste' converted to piezoelectric energy harvesters

A team of researchers at Jadavpur University in India has devised a way to recycle fish byproducts into an energy harvester that can generate electricity from mechanical stress. The energy harvester, made from fish scales, is capable of scavenging various types of ambient energies and powering small devices.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 6, 2016

Diamond-based resonators might become highly sensitive detectors

Researchers create compact high sensitivity sensors using diamond microstructures, achieving record high microwave frequencies and quality factor. They proposed a mathematical model to select useful acoustic signals and decrease spurious peaks, paving the way for applications in various fields.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 21, 2016

Circuit technology that resolves issues with high-frequency piezoelectric resonators

High-frequency piezoelectric resonators can now be used in phase locked loops (PLL) with low noise and excellent Figure of Merit (FoM), resolving issues with resonance frequency variance and temperature dependability. This technology enables compact, low-cost, high-speed radio communication systems for the IoT age.

SourceNational Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)·DateJun 17, 2016
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

A new opening for room temperature multiferroics

Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology have observed high coercive field and activation energy in ferroelectric polarization switching of orthorhombic GaFeO3 on cubic and hexagonal substrates. This finding explains the discrepancy between measured and predicted remanent polarization values.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNPG Asia Materials·DateMar 16, 2016

Flexoelectricity is more than Moore

Researchers have successfully integrated flexoelectric materials into silicon technology, paving the way for more energy-efficient and sustainable electronics. The development could provide an alternative to traditional piezoelectric materials, which pose toxicity concerns.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 17, 2015

Novel plastic could spur new green energy applications, 'artificial muscles'

Researchers have developed a novel plastic that can produce electricity when pulled or pressed, opening up new possibilities for green energy harvesting. The material, called PVDF, has been enhanced with carbon nanostructures to increase its piezoelectric performance, allowing it to contract and relax in response to an electric current.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 26, 2015
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Zinc oxide materials tapped for tiny energy harvesting devices

Researchers at KAIST have developed zinc oxide-based micro energy harvesting devices that can harness mechanical energy to generate electricity. The devices, known as nanogenerators, were found to be more efficient when insulating layers such as aluminum nitride were inserted into the zinc oxide material.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJan 13, 2015

Piezoelectricity in a 2-D semiconductor

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have observed piezoelectricity in a free-standing single layer of molybdenum disulfide, a potential successor to silicon. The discovery has the potential to lead to tunable piezo-materials and devices for extremely small force generation and sensing.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateDec 22, 2014

Study shows vibrating insoles could reduce falls among seniors

Researchers found that vibratory stimulation applied to the soles of the feet using piezoelectric technology significantly improves balance by reducing postural sway and gait variability. The study participants showed a persistent improvement in performance on timed tests, indicating potential benefits for fall prevention.

SourcePeters Communications·JournalArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation·DateOct 30, 2014

Researchers develop world's thinnest electric generator

Scientists have created the world's thinnest electric generator by harnessing the piezoelectric properties of a single atomic layer of MoS2. The device is optically transparent, extremely light, and bendable, making it ideal for wearable applications.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature·DateOct 15, 2014
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

'Smart material' chin strap harvests energy from chewing

Researchers have created a smart material-based chin strap that generates electricity from chewing, eating and talking, with potential to power hearing aids, cochlear implants and other small electronic devices. The device harnesses piezoelectric fiber composites to convert mechanical stress into electric charge.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalSmart Materials and Structures·DateSep 16, 2014

UH researchers identify one of world's thinnest piezoelectric materials

Researchers at the University of Houston have identified a semiconducting material called graphene nitride as one of the thinnest possible piezoelectric materials. The material is only one atomic layer thick and can be stacked on top of itself without losing its piezoelectric properties.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 1, 2014

The first demonstration of a self-powered cardiac pacemaker

A research team from KAIST has developed a self-powered artificial cardiac pacemaker that operates semi-permanently using flexible piezoelectric nanogenerators. This technology prolongs the lifetime of pacemaker batteries, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimizing surgical risks.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 23, 2014

KAIST made great improvements of nanogenerator power efficiency

KAIST researchers have developed a new technique to increase the energy efficiency of piezoelectric nanogenerators, enabling the creation of self-powered flexible energy harvesters that can supply power to wearable and implantable electronic devices. The improved nanogenerators can harness energy from human movements and natural resour...

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 15, 2014
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

UChicago to lead quantum engineering research team

Researchers will develop piezoelectric materials and nanometer-scale electromechanical devices to transfer information between quantum states and light using mechanical motion as an intermediary. The goal is to establish a technology that connects individual quantum states and enables the creation of quantum networks.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·DateMay 14, 2014

Piezotronics and piezo-phototronics leading to unprecedented active electronics and optoelectronics

Piezotronics harnesses mechanically-induced polarization to modulate charge carriers, leading to novel device applications and unparalleled performance. This technology has given rise to strain-gated piezotronic transistors, logic nanodevices and strain memory devices, enhancing sensing capabilities and enabling 3D structuring.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateApr 14, 2014

Vibration energy the secret to self-powered electronics

Researchers have developed a nanogenerator that can harness and convert vibration energy from surfaces like car seats into power for smartphones. The device uses piezoelectric materials to generate electricity from mechanical forces, enabling self-charged personal electronics.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateFeb 20, 2014

New materials open door to electronics in extreme environments

Researchers at the University of Leeds have developed high-temperature piezoelectric materials, allowing for electronic monitoring in extreme environments. The new materials, compatible with existing manufacturing methods, have vast potential applications in industries such as aerospace, oil and gas, and nuclear power.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·DateFeb 17, 2014

Nearly everyone uses piezoelectrics -- Be nice to know how they work

Researchers at NIST and Simon Fraser University have discovered the origin of distinct differences in relaxor behavior compared to ferroelectric PZT. The study found that random electric fields vary randomly from unit cell to unit cell in relaxors, leading to a greater piezoelectric effect.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 30, 2014
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Tune in, turn on, power up

Researchers develop a new method of wirelessly recharging medical device batteries with ultrasound, offering a safe and efficient means of wireless power transmission. The technology has been tested in animal tissue and demonstrated promising results.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateDec 4, 2013

'Smart foam' takes aim at concussions by measuring helmet impact

Researchers have developed a new smart-foam technology that can measure helmet impact and detect concussions in real-time. The piezoelectric foam is embedded in football helmets and generates electrical signals when compressed, providing coaches and trainers with instant data on player safety.

SourceBrigham Young University·DateNov 5, 2013
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Berkeley Lab scientists generate electricity from viruses

Scientists have developed a way to generate power using harmless viruses that convert mechanical energy into electricity. The generator produces enough current to operate a small liquid-crystal display, and the milestone could lead to tiny devices harnessing energy from everyday tasks.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMay 13, 2012
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Straintronics: Engineers create piezoelectric graphene

Researchers at Stanford University have engineered piezoelectricity into a nanoscale material, known as graphene. By modifying the graphene lattice, they were able to achieve fine physical control and created piezoelectric levels comparable to traditional materials. This breakthrough brings new dimension to straintronics and has promis...

SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalACS Nano·DateMar 15, 2012

UK scientists develop optimum piezoelectric energy harvesters

Researchers at the National Physical Laboratory have developed a new model for piezoelectric energy harvesters that can convert up to 25% more energy from unwanted mechanical vibrations. The new design covers only two-thirds of the cantilever's length, reducing internal power loss and increasing overall efficiency.

SourceNational Physical Laboratory·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMar 2, 2012

Wringing more energy out of everyday motions

The Duke team has created a nonlinear approach to energy harvesting that can capture more frequencies from ambient vibrations, making it ideal for practical uses in the real world. This could lead to the development of devices that power implants, sensors, and even larger electrical systems.

SourceDuke University·DateFeb 21, 2012

3-dimensional view of 1-dimensional nanostructures

Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered that individual gallium nitride nanowires exhibit strong piezoelectricity in three dimensions, with efficiency up to six times greater than bulk material. This finding has significant implications for the development of nanogenerators capable of powering self-powered devices.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNano Letters·DateJan 5, 2012

Graphene's piezoelectric promise

Engineers created graphene's pseudo-piezoelectric behavior by punching triangle-shaped holes into it, producing strong piezoelectricity comparable to well-known substances like quartz. The results have the potential to open new avenues for graphene and applications relying on piezoelectricity.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJan 5, 2012
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Tiny levers, big moves in piezoelectric sensors

Researchers have integrated a highly efficient piezoelectric material into a silicon microelectromechanical system, enabling significant advances in sensing, imaging, and energy harvesting. The new material, PMN-PT, delivers two to four times more movement with stronger force than rival materials, while using only 3 volts.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalScience·DateNov 23, 2011
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

ORNL discovers amazing electrical properties in polymers

Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have discovered a non-polar polymer material exhibiting up to 10 times the measured electro-active response as compared to strong piezoelectric materials. This finding has the potential to revolutionize the field of electro-active devices, including sensors, actuators, energy storage devices,...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateSep 22, 2011