acoustoelectric effect

acoustoelectric effect

[ə‚küs·tō·ə′lek·trik i‚fekt] (electronics) The development of a direct-current voltage in a semiconductor or metal by an acoustic wave traveling parallel to the surface of the material. Also known as electroacoustic effect. The amplification of a sound wave propagating in a piezoelectric semiconductor subject to a steady electric field that is strong enough that the resulting electron drift velocity exceeds the speed of sound.