Device with two electrodes and an opening located between the electrodes electrochromic layer, methods of operating the apparatus as well as using the apparatus

The invention relates to a device having two electrodes and an opening located between the electrodes electrochromic layer, the two electrodes made of different materials, wherein an electrically insulating layer located on at least one of the electrodes between the electrode and the electrochromic layer. This device can be initialized by applying a voltage pulse is applied with which the insulation layer is irreversibly destroyed. The device can be used as a display or as irreversible switch.