Kazuaki Kitamura

Title: Kazuaki Kitamura: Innovator in Lead-Free Piezoelectric Ceramics

Introduction

Kazuaki Kitamura is a notable inventor based in Ise, Japan. He has made significant contributions to the field of piezoelectric materials, particularly focusing on lead-free compositions. With a total of 5 patents to his name, Kitamura's work is paving the way for more environmentally friendly technologies.

Latest Patents

His latest patents include a lead-free piezoelectric ceramic composition and a piezoelectric element utilizing this composition. The lead-free ceramic composition features an alkali niobate/tantalate perovskite oxide main phase that exhibits piezoelectric properties, along with a different metal oxide. The mole ratio of sodium (Na) to potassium (K) in the main phase is defined within the range of 0.40 < (Na/K) < 3.0. The crystal structure of the main phase is represented as a pseudo-cubic system, which is characterized by specific diffraction patterns observed in electron beam images.

Career Highlights

Kazuaki Kitamura is currently employed at NGK Spark Plug Company, Limited, where he continues to innovate in the field of piezoelectric materials. His work is crucial in developing alternatives to lead-based ceramics, which are often harmful to the environment.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Kitamura has collaborated with notable colleagues such as Masato Yamazaki and Takayuki Matsuoka. These collaborations have further enhanced the research and development of lead-free piezoelectric technologies.

Conclusion

Kazuaki Kitamura's contributions to lead-free piezoelectric ceramics represent a significant advancement in the field of materials science. His innovative work not only addresses environmental concerns but also opens new avenues for technological applications.