A microelectro-mechanical device which includes a fixed electrode formed on a substrate, the fixed electrode including a transparent, high resistance layer, and a moveable electrode formed with an anisotropic stress in a predetermined direction and disposed adjacent the fixed electrode. The device includes first and second electrically conductive regions which are isolated from one another by the fixed electrode. The moveable electrode moves to cover the fixed electrode and to electrically couple to the second conductive region, thus electrically coupling the first and second conductive regions, in response to a potential being applied across the fixed and moveable electrodes. The fixed electrode is transparent to electromagnetic signals or waves and the moveable electrode impedes or allows transmission of electromagnetic signals or waves.