Patent ID: 7936497

Claim:
A microelectromechanical (MEMS) device, comprising: a substrate; a movable first layer, the first layer and the substrate configured to have a first cavity therebetween, the first cavity having a first pressure, the first layer movable with respect to the substrate in response to a voltage applied to at least the first layer and wherein movement of the first layer deforms the first cavity; a second layer, separate from the substrate, and disposed so the first layer is between the second layer and the substrate, the second layer and the first layer configured to have a second cavity therebetween, the second cavity having a second pressure; and a structure, separate from the first and second layers, the structure being in fluid communication with at least one of the first and second cavities, the structure configured to manipulate at least one of the first and second pressures to alter a speed of the movable first layer when the movable first layer is actuated and released; wherein at least one of the second layer and the substrate are at least partially transparent to light incident upon the device.