Note: Miniature 120-kV autonomous generator based on transverse shock-wave depolarization of Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 ferroelectrics

Abstract

The design of autonomous ultrahigh-voltage generators with no moving metallic parts based on transverse explosive shock wave depolarization of Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 (PZT 5248) poled ferroelectrics was explored and studied. It follows from experimental results that the output voltage produced by the shock-wave ferroelectric generators (FEGs) is directly proportional to the number of PZT 5248 elements connected in series. It was demonstrated that miniature FEGs (volume less than 180 cm 3) were capable of reliably producing output voltage pulses with amplitudes exceeding 120 kV which is the record reported in open literature. © 2011 American Institute of Physics.