Abstract: A micropump and its use, the micropump including a vibration unit with piezo actuator, which is arranged on an vibration diaphragm, a vibration plate arranged opposite the vibration diaphragm and having a blower opening, as well as a wall arranged between the vibration diaphragm and the vibration plate, so that a blower chamber is formed, and a housing, in which the vibration unit is mounted, with an suction opening, as well as an output opening, which lies opposite the blower opening. The housing forms a closed space and has at least one suction opening arranged radially, or on an underside opposite the vibration unit, with a suction channel leading into a pump chamber located between the vibration plate and the inside of the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanical displacement element, which is provided by means of a displacement foil, capable of being configured as a miniature and has a hollow space that is configured such that a spatial arrangement and/or configuration of the displacement foil occurs by means of the supply and/or the removal of a liquid and/or gaseous medium into and/or from the hollow space. The displacement foil is disposed on an object, and/or is at least partially integrated in the object, such that a predetermined change of the spatial configuration of the object is occurs with a change of the spatial arrangement and/or configuration of the displacement foil.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device provided with channel-type structures for transporting and/or storing a liquid and/or gaseous medium. The device comprises a first (1) substrate layer and a second substrate layer (2), and a functional element (3) that is sandwiched between the first and second substrate layers, the channel-type structures being embodied in the first and/or second substrate layer. The first and second substrate layers are solidly and permanently interconnected, and the functional element is clamped between the first and second substrate layers. The functional element is elastic, the first and second layers are rigid, and the channel-type structures in the first and/or second substrate layers are at least partially sealed in a gas-tight and/or liquid-tight manner due to the functional element.

Abstract: An optical component comprises channels in which liquids of suitable refractive index are arranged. By displacing the liquids within the channels by means of suitable actuators, the light is optionally led through the liquid. By selecting a suitable refractive index, light beams may be deflected at any desired angles. In a miniaturized embodiment, light beams can be controlled at high frequencies. In a light-conducting basic body, suitable cavities are connected to channels, and arranged in the channels is a liquid with a refractive index which essentially corresponds to the refractive index of the basic body. By means of piezoelectric actuators, which are arranged on the cavities, the liquid is displaced into the channels. As a result, light which leads through the basic body is deflected in optionally two different directions, and an optical switch is provided.

Abstract: An optical component comprises channels in which liquids of suitable refractive index are arranged. By displacing the liquids within the channels by means of suitable actuators, the light is optionally led through the liquid. By selecting a suitable refractive index, light beams may be deflected at any desired angles. In a miniaturized embodiment, light beams can be controlled at high frequencies. In a light-conducting basic body, suitable cavities are connected to channels, and arranged in the channels is a liquid with a refractive index which essentially corresponds to the refractive index of the basic body. By means of piezoelectric actuators, which are arranged on the cavities, the liquid is displaced into the channels. As a result, light which leads through the basic body is deflected in optionally two different directions, and an optical switch is provided.