Mössbauer Spectrometer using a Piezoelectric Bar in Resonant Oscillation

A Mössbauer velocity spectrometer has been constructed using a bar of piezoelectric ceramic (lead titanate zirconate) as the source of the Doppler-shift velocity. The bar was driven electrically at its longitudinal resonant frequency (22 kHz for a bar 7 cm long and 0.6×0.6 cm cross section), the resonant condition permitting the attainment of higher velocities than had previously been obtained with piezoelectric drives. The piezoelectric is driven with about 1 V of excitation to display the Mössbauer spectrum for iron. This type of spectrometer may be useful for special purposes, as when its small size or ruggedness is necessary.