Abstract: A method for manufacturing an embossed surface including a polymer composition having reactive moieties and a first glass transition temperature Tg1. The method includes embossing the surface a temperature Temb; and raising the first glass transition temperature Tg1 of the embossed polymeric surface to a second glass transition temperature Tg2 such that Tg2>Temb. In another embodiment, a method for improving the release of a polymeric surface from an embossing tool includes incorporating one or more of fluorine atoms, silicon atoms, or siloxane segments into the backbone of polymer. The methods are particular suited for direct patterning of photoresists, fabrication of interdigitated electrodes, and fabrication of data storage media.

Abstract: A method for creating an optical structure includes forming a layer of chalcogenide material upon a substrate, and applying a patterned stamper to the layer of chalcogenide material, in the presence of heat, the patterned stamper causing the layer of chalcogenide material to reflow such that stamped features of the patterned stamper are transferred onto the layer of chalcogenide material. The stamped features onto the layer of chalcogenide material are used to form one of an optical waveguide, an optical mirror, digital video disk data, compact disk data and combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing.