The invention refers to electrically reconfigurable optical devices based on
the use of a layer of dielectric and transparent viscoelastic material (G) opposing
at least a first electrode structure (ES1). According to the invention the
arrangement of the individual electrode zones in the first electrode structure
(ES1) in order to deform the viscoelastic layer (G) complies with one of
the following alternatives. According to the first alternative, the electrode zones
of the first electrode structure (ES1) are grouped into groups composed
of two or more adjacent electrode zones and within each of said groups individual
electrode zones are supplied each with a substantially different voltage. According
to the second alternative, the electrode zones of the first electrode structure
(ES1) are substantially annular, elliptical, rectangular or polygonal closed-loop
electrodes. The invention allows, for example, for creating electrically reconfigurable
blazed gratings (30) or Fresnel zone lenses (40).
