Piezo: The Little Device with a Big Impact
The term "piezo" comes from the Greek word "piezein," which means "to press" or "to squeeze." It's a fitting name for a technology with surprising capabilities. But what exactly is a piezo? In its most basic form, piezo refers to a piezoelectric device. These devices utilize a fascinating property called piezoelectricity. Piezoelectricity is the ability of certain materials to convert mechanical stress (pressure or force) into an electrical voltage. The converse is also true: applying a voltage to a piezoelectric material can cause it to deform physically. Piezoelectric materials are a surprisingly diverse bunch. They include man-made piezoceramics , natural crystals like quartz, and even biological materials like bone! This versatility has led to a wide range of applications for piezo technology. Piezoelectric Sensors: Feeling the Pressure One of the most common uses of piezoelectricity is in sensors. Piezo sensors can detect a wide variety