Market situation of Piezo-, pyro- and dielectric films-latest developments

Applications of piezoelectric films for large surface sensors are discussed. These include sensors for the detection of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), road detectors, cable wrapping, etc. The versatility of PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) films has also been used in the manufacture of very small and sensitive detectors or detector arrays in such diversified fields as ultrasound sensors for nondestructive testing or medical imaging, infrared array sensors for movement and heat sensing, and force of acceleration detectors. Bimorphs have gained increasing interest recently since the publication of a description of a flat display panel (a giant television screen) using mono-oriented piezoelectric films. Dielectric PVDF films are now also used in Europe; several with qualities that can be used in the capacitor industry are available. These properties and the industrial targets are described.<>