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From 1880 to today: How has the evolution of piezoelectric technology impacted the medical and aerospace fields?
Since the piezoelectric effect was first discovered by brothers Jacques and Pierre Curie in 1880, its development has been of relevance to many fields, particularly in the medical and aerospace industries. Over time, the maturity of piezoelectric sensor technology has made it a key tool for monitoring and measuring a variety of physical variables, changing clinical medical methods and improving the accuracy and safety of space exploration.
A piezoelectric sensor is a device that measures pressure, acceleration, temperature, strain or force by converting it into an electrical charge using the piezoelectric effect.
The earliest applications of piezoelectric technology date back to the 1950s, when industry began using this measuring principle for industrial sensing. However, with the advancement of materials science, the emergence of new materials such as ceramic materials and thin film supercrystals has further expanded the application scope of piezoelectric technology, especially in the fields of medical technology and aerospace.
Application in medical treatment
In the medical field, piezoelectric sensors are used to monitor patient conditions and perform various medical procedures. For example, piezoelectric technology can provide high-precision images during ultrasound examinations, helping doctors diagnose diseases more accurately. Not only that, these sensors can also provide instant feedback during surgery to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the surgery.
Some materials (notably aluminum phosphate or tourmaline) are extremely stable at high temperatures, allowing sensors to operate in the range of up to 1000 °C.
In addition to ultrasound, piezoelectric materials are also used in implantable medical devices such as pacemakers due to their biocompatibility. These devices use the piezoelectric effect to generate electricity, providing a continuous supply of power to supplement the power needs of the device.
Influence on the aerospace sector
In the aerospace field, piezoelectric sensors also play an indispensable role. These sensors are used to monitor the structural status of spacecraft in different space environments. For example, they can detect tiny deformations and stresses in structures, assisting engineers with early warning and resilience design, thereby enhancing the safety and reliability of spacecraft.
Electrical technology has greatly promoted the development of piezoelectric sensors, especially after the popularization of computer-controlled electronic equipment, the application potential of sensors has increased significantly.
In addition, piezoelectric technology is also used in vibration monitoring systems of spacecraft. These systems can quickly and accurately measure vibration frequencies, helping engineers understand the various physical forces that a spacecraft will be subject to during flight and how to respond to these forces to ensure the safe flight of the spacecraft.
Future prospects of piezoelectric technology
As technology continues to advance, piezoelectric technology is expected to continue to play a greater role in the medical and aerospace fields in the future. Researchers are exploring the potential of new piezoelectric materials, for example using advanced catalysis and 3D printing techniques to develop higher-performance mass sensors. These innovations could significantly push the boundaries of biomedical and aerospace technology, leading to safer and more efficient systems.
Piezoelectric materials have unparalleled advantages in coping with extreme environments and high performance requirements, making them an important cornerstone of future technological innovations.
As piezoelectric technology continues to develop, more and more application opportunities that we have not yet discovered will appear before our eyes. In this ever-changing world, we can't help but ask: What kind of changes will the future of piezoelectric technology bring to mankind's medical and aerospace wonders?
