demand piezoelectric-operated actuators. Therefore, special attention is given to a comprehensive presentation of the matter. In our time, it is no longer sufficient to simply explain how an electronic device operates; the materials and procedures used for its production and the measuring instruments used for its characterization are equally important. The main chapters as well as several important sections in this book end in an evaluation of future prospects. Unfortunately, this way of separating coherent - scription from reflection and speculation could not be strictly maintained. So- times, the complete description of a device calls for discussion of its inherent - tential; the hasty reader in search of the general perspective is therefore advised to study this work¿s technical chapters as well.