Patent ID: 8582115

Claim:
A multilayer optical device comprising: an arrangement, formed on a substrate, of at least a first layer, a second layer, and a space provided therebetween, said space having a height, wherein said arrangement of said first layer, said second layer, and the space between is capable of producing transmitted, reflected, or dispersed spectrally modified electromagnetic energy from electromagnetic energy incident upon the arrangement, wherein an optical function of the optical device is dependent at least in part on interference effects, an apparatus for changing a fluid within an optically active area of the space from the first fluid having a first refractive index to a second fluid having a second refractive index, and wherein an optical function of the multilayer optical device is a first function when the first fluid is in the space, and is a second function, differing from the first function, when the second fluid is in the space, wherein the apparatus for changing the fluid within an optically active area comprises one of: an apparatus for applying a voltage to a top conductor and a bottom conductor, wherein a pressurizer compartment is fitted with the top conductor and the bottom conductor, such that the voltage between the top and bottom conductors provides an electrostatic force that acts to deflect a roof layer of the pressurizer compartment downward, compressing the second fluid in the pressurizer compartment to flow into the optically active area, and to displace the first fluid from the optically active area into a reservoir compartment, thereby replacing the first fluid within the optically active area, and an apparatus for applying a current to an electrical heater, wherein a pressurizer compartment is fitted with the electrical heater, such that the second fluid in the pressurizer compartment is heated, as the second fluid expands when heated, causing an increase in pressure in the pressurizer compartment that acts to force the second fluid to flow from the pressurizer compartment into the optically active area, and to displace the first fluid from the optically active area into a reservoir compartment, thereby replacing the first fluid within the optically active area.