Single-step UV recording of sinusoidal surface gratings in hybrid solgel glasses

Efficient surface gratings are UV imprinted in an acrylate-rich hybrid solgel glass. Structural changes occurring in the material upon exposure to light are investigated. Large amplitude modulation (700 nm) and low surface roughness (0.2 nm) were measured by atomic force microscopy. Diffraction efficiencies were found to be close to theoretical predictions. The method of fabrication does not involve any etching step, and an all-UV process is proposed. The gratings are resistant to temperature and to solvent effects. These devices could have useful applications in sensor and spectroscopic devices. (C) 1999 Optical Society of America OCIS codes: 130.3120, 160.6060, 220.4000, 230.1950.