back in the old OLD days, they used to use transformers with a movable core to turn the theater lights up and down. I suppose something similar could be realized using a linear actuator to move the core [e.g. move the laminations together/apart] -- but that would be as mechanical as hell.
But, what you are looking for is a *Saturable reactor* [also known as a *Magnetic Amplifier*:
* http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/textbook/alte...ent/chpt-9/special-transformers-applications/ [scroll down to *Saturable reactors*].
* http://www.ti.com/lit/ml/slup129/slup129.pdf
* http://www.themeasuringsystemofthegods.com/magnetic amplifiers.pdf
* http://www.tpub.com/neets/book8/32o.htm
* https://archive.org/stream/designofmagnetic00barr#page/n35/mode/2up
* "https://books.google.com/books?id=TxKynbyaIAMC&pg=PA1369&lpg=PA1369&dq=using+saturable+core+to+modulate+ac&source=bl&ots=jxsgMRcxxQ&sig=_wjmnIChI3QQdIWh5FrKVWLj8x8&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0CCgQ6AEwAWoVChMI5dKi6ueUxgIVzTSICh3iFwAf#v=onepage&q=using saturable core to modulate ac&f=false"
Google suggestions: "Saturable reactor", "Magnetic Amplifier", "using saturable core to modulate ac"
But, what you are looking for is a *Saturable reactor* [also known as a *Magnetic Amplifier*:
* http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/textbook/alte...ent/chpt-9/special-transformers-applications/ [scroll down to *Saturable reactors*].
* http://www.ti.com/lit/ml/slup129/slup129.pdf
* http://www.themeasuringsystemofthegods.com/magnetic amplifiers.pdf
* http://www.tpub.com/neets/book8/32o.htm
* https://archive.org/stream/designofmagnetic00barr#page/n35/mode/2up
* "https://books.google.com/books?id=TxKynbyaIAMC&pg=PA1369&lpg=PA1369&dq=using+saturable+core+to+modulate+ac&source=bl&ots=jxsgMRcxxQ&sig=_wjmnIChI3QQdIWh5FrKVWLj8x8&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0CCgQ6AEwAWoVChMI5dKi6ueUxgIVzTSICh3iFwAf#v=onepage&q=using saturable core to modulate ac&f=false"
Google suggestions: "Saturable reactor", "Magnetic Amplifier", "using saturable core to modulate ac"