We introduce a mechanically tunable photonic crystal structure consisting
of coupled photonic crystal slabs. Using both analytic theory, and
first-principles finite-difference time-domain simulations, we
demonstrate that the transmission and reflection coefficients for light
normally incident upon such structures can be highly sensitive to
nano-scale variations in the spacing between the slabs. Moreover, by
specifically configuring the photonic crystal structures, the high
sensitivity can be preserved in spite of significant fabrication-related
disorders. We expect such a structure to play important roles in
micro-mechanically tunable optical sensors and filters.