An optically controlled mechanical device actuated by electrostatic
forces. The device includes electrostatic plates disposed on opposing
portions of the device to accumulate charge; conductors to conduct charge
to the electrostatic plates from a bias supply; and a photoelectric
element having a photoresistive element arranged to affect a quantity of
charge reaching the electrostatic plates from the bias supply. The device
is caused to actuate to one position when the photoresistive element is
exposed to a first level of illumination, and to a another position when
the photoresistive element is exposed to a different second level of
illumination.