Efficient surface gratings are UV imprinted in an acrylate-rich hybrid solg
el glass. Structural changes occurring in the material upon exposure to lig
ht are investigated. Large amplitude modulation (700 nm) and low surface ro
ughness (0.2 nm) were measured by atomic force microscopy. Diffraction effi
ciencies were found to be close to theoretical predictions. The method of f
abrication does not involve any etching step, and an all-UV process is prop
osed. The gratings are resistant to temperature and to solvent effects. The
se devices could have useful applications in sensor and spectroscopic devic
es. (C) 1999 Optical Society of America OCIS codes: 130.3120, 160.6060, 220
.4000, 230.1950.