Characterization of Technologically Relevant Point Defects in Piezoelectric Oxide Materials

About the project

Oxide materials with a perovskite, or related, structure remain of primary importance as piezoelectric materials. They are used in applications ranging from medical ultrasound transducers to fuel injectors for diesel engines. The piezoelectric materials are often engineered with the aim of optimizing the point defect content, as these can control relevant material properties. However, the direct detection and identification of point defects is not normally possible with conventional materials characterization methods. This project will use specialized point defect spectroscopy methods such as positron annihilation spectroscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy to detect and identify point defects in model and technological piezoelectric materials.

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