Abstract

A piezoelectric and/or electrostrictive film-type element comprises a zirconia substrate with a thin-walled diaphragm section provided integrally to cover and close a window to serve as a hollow space, and a film-shaped piezoelectric and/or electrostrictive operating section composed of a lower electrode, a piezoelectric and/or electrostrictive layer, and an upper electrode which are successively provided in a layered configuration on an outer surface of the diaphragm section in accordance with a film-forming method, wherein at least a part of a peripheral edge portion of the piezoelectric and/or electrostrictive layer extends laterally beyond a corresponding peripheral edge portion of the lower electrode to construct an overhang section located opposingly over the diaphragm section, and the overhang section is in a state of incomplete connection with respect to a partial region of the diaphragm section located just under by the aid of particles of an alumina-magnesia compound such as spinel particles allowed to intervene therebetween.Thus, it is possible to effectively improve, for example, the piezoelectric and/or electrostrictive characteristics such as the displacement amount, and the resonance frequency characteristics.