Method and apparatus for dispensing liquid droplets

A liquid dispensing element comprising;

• a dispensing plate comprising a plurality of orifices, the dispensing plate at least partially defining a fluid flow path;
• an upper plate provided substantially parallel to the dispensing plate, the fluid flow path directly below the upper plate;
• a plurality of piezoelectric transducers each comprising a piston configured to move perpendicular to the dispensing plate between a first position wherein the piston is in proximity to the dispensing plate and a second position wherein the piston is spaced apart and further from the dispensing plate,
• wherein each piston is configured, upon actuation by a piezoelectric component, to move
• between the first and second positions to create a pressure wave directed at a corresponding orifice of the dispensing plate, and to thereby cause a surface cavitation event in a fluid continuously flowing along the fluid flow path which results in the ejection of a droplet of fluid, the diameter of the droplet being less than a diameter of the orifice.