An improved device, which may act as a variable attenuator, changes the optical intensity of an optical signal by moving a platform onto which a light transmissive structure such as a waveguide is disposed. The light transmissive structure is positioned and aligned to receive an optical signal and positioned and aligned to transmit the optical signal. By moving the light transmissive structure into a position of reduced alignment with an input source, the light transmissive structure may receive less or none of the optical signal, thereby attenuating it. Alternatively, by moving the light transmissive structure into a position of reduced alignment with an output structure, the light transmissive structure may transmit less or none of the optical signal, thereby attenuating its transmission.