We discuss the optical recording and relaxation of low spatial frequency gr
atings and negative microlenses by a dyed polyacrylamide gel. An analysis o
f the grating diffraction efficiency and the focal distance of microlenses
is shown. A study of the evolution of the surface modulation of both types
of elements with an interference microscope is also included. (C) 2000 Opti
cal Society of America OCIS codes: 350.3950, 350.5340, 010.1080.