Introduction

Abstract

Piezoelectric devices play a major role in our everyday lives. Currently, the global demand for piezoelectric devices is valued at approximately 20 billion euros per year. Piezoelectric sensors and actuators make a substantial contribution in this respect. At the beginning of the opening chapter, we will discuss the fundamentals of sensors and actuators. Section 1.2 addresses the history of piezoelectricity and piezoelectric materials. In Sect. 1.3, application areas as well as application examples of piezoelectricity are listed. The chapter ends with a brief chapter overview of the book.