Surface Acoustic Wave SAW Technology

Surface Acoustic Wave SAW technology is based on acoustic waves that travel along the surface of a solid material. These waves are generated and detected using specialized structures on piezoelectric substrates. Because SAWs respond sensitively to changes on the surface of the material, they are widely used in sensing, filtering, and signal processing.

What SAWs Are

A surface acoustic wave is a mechanical wave that moves across the surface of a material, usually a piezoelectric crystal such as quartz or lithium niobate. When an electrical signal is applied, it converts into mechanical vibrations on the surface. These vibrations then travel along the substrate and can be converted back into electrical signals.

Key Components

Piezoelectric SubstrateA material that converts electrical energy into mechanical vibration and vice versa.Interdigital Transducers IDTsMetallic comb shaped electrodes patterned on the surface. One IDT generates the surface wave and another receives it.Wave Propagation PathThe region between the transmitting and receiving IDTs where the SAW travels.