The interferometric modulator of the invention includes a transparent substrate (refractive index: n.sub.0) 12, an optical thin film (complex index of refraction: N.sub.1=n.sub.1-ik.sub.1) 13 provided on the transparent substrate 12, and an absorber layer (complex index of refraction: N.sub.s=n.sub.s-ik.sub.s) 14 opposed to the optical thin film 13, the distance of a gap to the optical thin film 13 being variable, wherein the relation n.sub.1>n.sub.0, k.sub.1.apprxeq.0 and n.sub.s>n.sub.0 is satisfied.