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

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.