High Energy Density Ceramic Capacitor for Defibrillators

This program will demonstrate the fabrication of high energy density ceramic capacitors, suitablefor use in implantable cardiac defibrillators. Proprietary dielectric compositions and innovative processingtechniques will be used. In Phase I, small scale capacitors will be produced with full scale capacitorsbeing produced in Phase II. The research effort will investigate a composition found to be favorable inprevious work. Processing conditions, capacitor design, and proper termination procedures will beinvestigated. The successful implementation of this technology will result in significantly smallercapacitors than are currently being used. Since the capacitors occupy a significant amount of the spacein an implantable defibrillator, much smaller devices, closer in size to pacemakers, will be able to beconstructed. Pectoral area implantation of a small device will lead to more patient acceptance of thislife-saving therapy. Other advantages of solid state ceramic capacitors over the electrolytic capacitors,which are the current state-of-the-art, include improved reliability, since there is no corrosive electrolytewith the potential for leakage. Ceramic capacitors can be readily shaped to conform to the case shapeof the defibrillator; they have extremely low current leakage and do not require periodic reforming of thedielectric oxide.