Low-temperature growth of piezoceramic films on glass

Integration of thin-film oxide piezoelectrics on glass is imperative for the next generation of transparent electronics to attain sensing and actuating functions. However, their crystallization temperature (above 650 {\deg}C) is incompatible with most commercial glasses. Guided by finite element analysis, we developed a low-temperature flash lamp process for direct growth of piezoelectric lead zirconate titanate films. The process enables crystallization on various types of glasses in a few seconds only. Ferroelectric, dielectric and piezoelectric properties (e$_{33,f}$ of -5 C m$^{-2}$) of these films are comparable to the properties of films processed with standard rapid thermal annealing at 700 {\deg}C. To demonstrate applicability, a surface haptic device was fabricated with a 1 $\unicode{x00B5}$m-thick film. Its ultrasonic surface deflection reached 1.5 $\unicode{x00B5}$m at 60 V, which is sufficient for its use in surface rendering applications. This demonstrated flash lamp annealing process is compatible with large glass sheets and roll-to-roll processing and, therefore, has the potential to significantly expand the applications of piezoelectric devices on glass.