Selective etching in laser-written semiconductor-doped glasses

Summary form only given. Direct laser writing on the surface of the semiconductor-doped glass (SDG) is based on the absorptive properties of the material and the ability of the melted volume to expand and resolidify above the surface, forming smooth topographic features with positive relief. This single-step technique is useful for a number of applications including the fabrication of diffractive and refractive microoptics and is particularly suitable for rapid prototyping. In this work we report on the observation of selective wet etching process, which takes place once relief features are created.