Coaxial thin film transducers based on PZT

Abstract

The results of the piezoelectric and acoustic experiments on thin films of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) coated coaxially on optical fibers with a gold or an aluminum thin jacket are presented. The PZT films are fabricated by sol-gel processing using dip coating. Coating lengths of 10-cm and film thicknesses up to 6 mu m have been achieved. The piezoelectricity is induced by electric poling. Potential applications in medical and inline fiber optical acousto-optic devices are discussed.<>