1) The document discusses thermopneumatic microvalves and their applications. It describes the fabrication process and working of thermopneumatic microvalves. 2) Applications discussed include use as expansion valves in refrigeration systems and for gas distribution and control in semiconductor processing. 3) The advantages of microvalves include increased performance, higher integration levels, decreased size and increased reliability compared to traditional valves. Challenges include required power, response speed and effects of shrinking size.