A nozzle comprising a thin, flexible substantially planar polymeric film
having a plurality of pores with structures allowing for generation of an
aerosol at reduced extrusion pressure is disclosed. The pores can
comprise at least two sections, or steps, in which the thickness of the
membrane is reduced in stepwise fashion, or the pores can be tapered.
Nozzles formed comprising pores having such structures permit aerosol
generation at lower extrusion pressures, thereby allowing for decreased
weight of aerosolization devices, increased efficiency, increased
portability and increased battery life. The pore structures also allow
for the use of thicker, more easily processed polymeric films in
manufacturing while having a thinner, more efficient aerosolization area.
The use of decreased extrusion pressures also results in increased
uniformity in aerosol generation and improved reliability of other
components.