Measurement of piezoelectric coefficients and permittivity with small specimens

Roughly cubical specimens of about 5 mm side can be used for obtaining results which are believed to be correct within 10% For piezoelectric measurements, alternating mechanical pressure is used to produce a potential difference which is easily amplified and measured. A single specimen can be used for up to nine different measurements in compression and nine in shear; an alternative is the use of two specimens, tested only in compression. Permittivity along various axes can be measured with the same specimens. As an example, lithium niobate has been studied.