Abstract: New platform technologies to actuate and sense force propagation in real-time for large sheets of cells are provided. In certain embodiments the platform comprises a device for the measurement of mechanical properties of cells or other moieties, where device comprises a transparent elastic or viscoelastic polymer substrate disposed on a rigid transparent surface; and a plurality of micromirrors disposed on or in said polymer substrate, wherein the reflective surfaces of the micromirrors are oriented substantially parallel to the surface of said polymer substrate. In certain embodiments the device comprises more than about 1,000,000, or more than about 10,000,000 micromirrors. In certain embodiments the micromirrors comprise a magnetic layer and/or a diffraction grating.

Abstract: Embodiments provide an ultrasound transducer. The ultrasound transducer may include a multi-layered membrane having a plurality of slits extending through the membrane, thereby forming a plurality of sections of the membrane at least partially separated by the slits. Each slit extends from a perimeter of the membrane to a respective end position at a predetermined distance away from a center of the membrane. The plurality of sections of the membrane are connected to each other at the center of the membrane.

Abstract: New platform technologies to actuate and sense force propagation in real-time for large sheets of cells are provided. In certain embodiments the platform comprises a device for the measurement of mechanical properties of cells or other moieties, where device comprises a transparent elastic or viscoelastic polymer substrate disposed on a rigid transparent surface; and a plurality of micromirrors disposed on or in said polymer substrate, wherein the reflective surfaces of the micromirrors are oriented substantially parallel to the surface of said polymer substrate. In certain embodiments the device comprises more than about 1,000,000, or more than about 10,000,000 micromirrors. In certain embodiments the micromirrors comprise a magnetic layer and/or a diffraction grating.

Abstract: Embodiments provide an ultrasound transducer. The ultrasound transducer may include a multi-layered membrane having a plurality of slits extending through the membrane, thereby forming a plurality of sections of the membrane at least partially separated by the slits. Each slit extends from a perimeter of the membrane to a respective end position at a predetermined distance away from a center of the membrane. The plurality of sections of the membrane are connected to each other at the center of the membrane.