Electromagnetic Radiation of Ferroelectric PZT Ceramics under Pulsed Compressive Stress

Abstract

Wideband electromagnetic pulses were received using indoor television antenna after a pulsed compressive stress of
Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 cylindrical samples. An investigation using a detector shows that it is generated a series of the
electromagnetic pulses in the time range of about 1 μs. The electromagnetic pulses appear randomly and have
approximately equal amplitude. Number of pulses in the series can vary from 2 to 12. It was also found that after the
compressive stress it is generated a high voltage response at the sample. The response was registered by (0 – 100) MHz
bandwidth oscilloscope using 1 : 470 voltage divider.
It is assumed that series of electrical pulses of ns time duration is formed just before and at the first μs of the
response at the sample. A fast rising leading edge of these pulses causes the electromagnetic radiation. The electric
pulses are generated because of competition between newly, stress-induced polarized state, and older state maintaining
by opposing electric fields forming at grain boundaries.
The observed phenomenon can be useful for investigation of electric parameters and quality of ferroelectric crystals
and ceramics. Possible practical applications of mechanically induced electromagnetic radiation are discussed.