Various aspects of surf ace acoustic wave device application are reviewed, focusing on the research and development activities in authors' laboratory since 1972. Filters, delay lines, wave guides, equalizers, resonators and oscillators were fabricated and tested. Their operational principles are described and their present characteristics are assessed compared with those of alternative devices.
State of the art in nonlinear and active device application such as convolvers and image scanners are introduced. Problems to be solved and difficulties to be circumvented for surface acoustic wave devices to be practically utilized in these fields are pointed out.
Materials and fabrication methods supporting surface acoustic wave technology are reviewed. Desirable properties of piezoelectric surface acoustic wave propagation media are discussed.
Potential applications and future progress in prospect of surface acoustic wave devices are described.