Electric lighters are an economic solution to light gas stoves. Ever wondered how does a small force of thumb produces a spark of the order of kilovolts (kV)? Let’s have a look at the insides and working of the lighter in this device dissection article. A piezoelectric crystal is the heart of the gas igniter. When a strong force is applied to it by means of a spring-loaded hammer it produces an electric spark. Certain dielectric materials have an internal crystalline structure which when subjected to mechanical stress produces an electric field and vice versa. The degree of the electric field produced is directly proportional to the magnitude of the force applied.These materials are termed as piezoelectric crystals and this principle is termed as piezoelectric.
