| abstract |
A piezoelectric/electrostrictive actuator comprising a substrate, a plurality of electrodes in the form of strips formed on at least one surface of the substrate such that the electrode strips are spaced from each other in a direction parallel to the substrate surface, and a piezoelectric/electrostrictive portion which is disposed between the adjacent strips of the electrodes in the spacing direction, and in contact with the adjacent electrode strips, so that the piezoelectric/electrostrictive portion produces a flexural displacement or force due to at least the longitudinal mode of converse piezoelectric or electrostrictive effect upon application of a voltage between the adjacent electrode strips. |