Total internal reflection light modulating microstructure devices

A light modulating switch array comprising:

• a plurality of switches, each including an electro-optic element, each element having a first portion of electro-optic material to which first and second electrodes are associated, and a second portion composed of material with an index of refraction matching that of said first portion when no voltage is applied to electro-optically activate said first portion, but said index of refraction of said second portion is less than the index of refraction of said first portion when said first portion is electro-optically activated by application of appropriate voltage;
• said first and second portions are in close conjunction with each other such that a boundary is formed at the junction of said first and second portions;
• each said element is oriented with respect to at least one incident light beam such that said incident light beam enters said first portion of said element and strikes said boundary between said first and said second portions at an angle such that said light beam is totally reflected internally when said first portion is electro-optically activated by application of sufficient voltage, but which will pass unreflected through said boundary when said first portion is not electro-optically activated;
• and
• said first portion has a greater thickness than said second portion, to form a step region which is filled with a low k low p material.

A light modulating switch, prepared by a process comprising the steps of:

• A) providing a substrate;
• B) producing a matrix material on said substrate;
• C) creating at least one cavity in said matrix material;
• D) filling said at least one cavity with electro-optic material to create at least one electro-optic element having an upper surface;
• and
• E) forming an electrode on a first portion of said upper surface of said electro-optic element, such that a total internal reflection boundary is created in said electro-optic element when voltage is applied to said electrode.