3. Electrical/mechanical conversion (ultrasonic generation and actuation)

3.1 General

Piezoelectric materials deform when subjected to an electric field, the so-called reverse piezoelectric effect. This phenomenon is the basis for various applications in the field of ultrasonic actuation and generation .

Today, piezoelectric actuators are used for :

• precision positioning in local probe microscopes, atomic force microscopes and scanning tunneling microscopes;

• in the automotive industry, for active suspension, headrest adjustment (Toyota) or direct...