Patent ID: 7784915

Claim:
A MEMS device for generating a bubble, the MEMS device comprising: a chamber for holding liquid; a heater positioned in the chamber for thermal contact with the liquid; wherein, the heater is formed of a super alloy having a Cr content between 2.0% by weight and 35.0% by weight, a Al content of between 0.1% by weight and 8.0% by weight, a microstructure with a grain size less than 100 nanometers and configured to received an actuation signal from associated drive circuitry such that upon actuation the heater heats some of the liquid to a temperature above its bubble nucleation point in order to generate a vapor bubble that causes a pressure pulse through the liquid; wherein the superalloy heater has a Mo content of between 1% by weight and 17% by weight; a Nb+Ta content of between 0.25% by weight and 8.0% by weight; a Ti content of between 0.1% by weight and 5.0% by weight; a Fe content of up to 60% by weight; a Ni content of between 26% by weight and 70% by weight; and or, a Co content of between 35% by weight and 65% by weight.