Electrostatic actuator and method of making the electrostatic actuator

A fluid drop ejector comprising:

• a first electrode;
• a second electrode positioned in proximity to the first electrode and attached to the first electrode only at discrete sites so as to provide a gap between the first electrode and the second electrode, the second electrode being configured to deflect toward the first electrode;
• a landing post positioned in the gap and laterally between the discrete sites, wherein the landing post comprises:
• a patterned bump on and in surface contact with a support layer;
• and
• a conformal insulator layer extending over a greater surface of the gap than the patterned bump and formed over and in surface contact with the patterned bump and in surface contact with the support layer;
• wherein:
• the landing post protrudes out into the gap so as to limit the minimum contact spacing between the first electrode and the second electrode;
• the gap is between the conformal insulator and the second electrode;
• wherein:
• the support layer is the first electrode and the patterned bump physically contacts the first electrode;
• and the conformal insulator layer physically contacts the patterned bump and the first electrode;
• and
• a face plate layer surrounding the first electrode to form a fluid pressure chamber between the face plate and the first electrode where fluid is capable of being stored, the face plate having a nozzle through which the fluid can be ejected.