Electronic ceramics R&D in the U.S., Japan. Part I: Patent history

A survey was conducted to identify and characterize future development of electronic ceramics. The types of electronics ceramics included were: dielectric ceramics for capacitors and microwave filters; piezoelectric ceramics for transducers and actuators; and ferroelectric thin films for semiconductor memories and microactuators. Information for the survey was obtained by an analysis of U.S. patent literature from January 1990 through August 1996 and through responses to questionnaires sent to Japanese technologist. The assessment confirmed that the field of electronic ceramics will remain a fertile area for R&D.