A fine grain, relaxor-based piezoelectric ceramic 0.7 Pb(Mg(1/3)Nb(2/3))O3-0.3PbTiO3 (PMN-30% PT) has been investigated, which was fabricated using the columbite precursor method. The complete set of electromechanical properties of the piezoceramic at room temperature is determined using a combination of ultrasonic and resonance techniques. This fine-grain ceramic (grain size < or = 2.5 microm)...

We report on a dual-modality optical coherence tomography (OCT) ultrasound (US) system for intravascular imaging. To the best of our knowledge, we have developed the first integrated OCT-US probe that combines OCT optical components with an US transducer. The OCT optical components mainly consist of a single-mode fiber, a gradient index lens for light-beam focusing, and a right-angled prism for...

This paper presents the efforts at micro thermal stimulation to initiate the flight and control the direction of beetles. Experiments were carried out by mounting micro thermal stimulators at the base of the antenna of the Green June beetle (Cotinis nitida). Preliminary in vivo experiments with resistive micro-heaters demonstrate that the beetle generates a torque of 18mN-mm at an estimated tem...

The goal of this paper is to demonstrate the use of fuzzy logic controllers in modifying the figure of a piezoceramic bimorph mirror. Non-contact electron actuation technology is used to actively control a bimorph mirror comprised two PZT-5H wafers by varying the electron flux and electron voltages. Due to electron blooming generated by the electron flux, it is difficult to develop an accurate ...

In this study, we describe the operation of piezoelectric energy converters and electromechanical modeling harvesting (PEH) devices based on microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) for low-power sensors. Consideration is given to a harvester standard MEMS. The parameters are determined optimized using simple MEMS cantilever model. On top Brass substrate, model uses single layer material. We utili...

Lead zirconate titanate (PZT) as a piezoelectric ceramic has been used widely in the fields of electronics, biomedical engineering, mechatronics and thermoelectric. Although, the electrical properties of PZT ceramics is a major considerable, but the mechanical properties such as fracture strength and toughness should be improved for many applications. In this study, lead monoxide, zirconium ...