<title>Efficient surface gratings in hybrid sol-gel glasses</title>

Abstract

Surface gratings with period ranging from 4 to 1.4 micrometer are UV-imprinted in an acrylate-rich hybrid sol-gel glass. The method of fabrication does not involve any etching step. We investigate structural changes occurring in the material upon exposure to light. Large amplitude modulation, smooth surface and high diffraction efficiencies are obtained. Preliminary tests show that the gratings are robust to temperature and solvent exposure.