Fluid pump, ink jet print head utilizing the same, and method of pumping fluid

The present invention relates generally to fluid pumps, and more particularly to deforming a viscoelastic material to propel fluid through the pump, an ink jet print head utilizing the pump, and a method of pumping fluid. A fluid pump, such as a print head, includes an ink channel having a nozzle and at least one wall having a flexible portion. A deforming member made of a viscoelastic material is coupled to the flexible portion and a charge mechanism is coupled to the deforming member to apply a spatially varied charge pattern to the deforming member when activated. Activation of the charge mechanism causes deformation of the deforming member and the flexible portion to reduce the volume of the ink channel and eject a droplet of ink out of the ink channel. The charge mechanism can include a photoelectric material and a radiation source or an electrode coupled to a source of electric power.