Piezoelectric Actuator
A piezoelectric actuator is a type of positioning device that uses the piezoelectric effect to generate precise movements. When an electric field is applied to a piezoelectric material, it changes shape, producing mechanical displacement.
- Principle: Inverse piezoelectric effect
- Materials: PZT (Lead Zirconate Titanate), quartz, or other ceramics
- Movement Range: Nanometer to micrometer scale
- Response Time: Microseconds
- Applications: Precision positioning, AFM, optical alignment, valves, pumps
High force, fast response, and sub-nanometer resolution make piezoelectric actuators ideal for high-precision systems.