The Peizoelectric effect and
Quartz Crystals 

A Quantum Mechanics Article

by
Sharon Bridgman, ITEC. BRCP.

Piezo is from a Greek word meaning pressure. Piezo electricity relates to the electrical dielectric charges in quartz crystal when subjected to mechanical pressure (squeezing and tapping etc). The crystal will transduce the mechanical frequencies of the stress into electrical frequencies and voltages.

Conversely when alternating electrical voltages are applied to (or near) a quartz crystal, then the crystal will mechanical vibrate. The Piezo Electrical (P.E.) effect of quartz crystal is a scientific principle, used in television, radio and medical equipment, such as ultra sound diagnostic apparatus and ultra sonic therapies. These make use of the natural P.E. effect of quartz and other crystalline substrates for transmission and receiving. For the P.E. effect to function, the crystal must be connected into an electronic circuit so that the kinetic energy is transformed into electron flow within the circuitry of the apparatus (1).

This inter-relationship of mechanical vibration and electrical oscillation makes the P.E. crystal a suitable vehicle for conversions from sound to electrical energies., particularly were sensitivity to high frequencies is desired. This quantum mechanical principle is well known and is widely used in all types of manufactured products. Microphones, Radio and television receivers and transmitters, computers, I-pods, mobile phones, chronographs. All of the above employ silicon chips (integrated circuits). In the early electrical gramophones the P.E. crystal acted as a link in sound reproduction via the needle, the quartz was pressurised by the music etchings in the record’s groves. In the field of telecommunications, the P.E. phenomenon is applied to improve methods of frequency stability.

Figure 1. Symbolic grouping of atoms of quartz

Figure 2. Shows an isolated atomic group

A number of crystalline materials possess the P.E. property, but with the possible exception of tourmaline, quartz is the only mineral in which this property can be put too practical use for the purposes stated above. Liberating the electrical charges when the crystal is stressed is a function of electrical asymmetry within the atomic groups of which the crystal is built.

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