High-performance electroactive polymer transducers

A transducer comprising:

• an open frame and at least two diaphragm layers, each diaphragm layer comprising an electroactive polymer material having an elastic modulus below about 100 MPa and extending within the frame, wherein central portions of the diaphragm layers are coupled together and remaining portions of one diaphragm layer are spaced from remaining portions of the other diaphragm layer, and wherein the diaphragm layers are free to actuate in at least two component directions upon application of a voltage across the electroactive polymer material.