Abstract: The present invention provides a method for creating an optical feature, including: providing a substrate; creating one or more volumetric periodic/non-periodic structures on the substrate; and micromachining the one or more volumetric periodic/non-periodic structures on the substrate to create the optical feature. Optionally, the substrate is a photomaterial. The one or more volumetric periodic/non-periodic structures are aligned one or more of substantially perpendicular to, substantially parallel to, and substantially at an angle to the substrate. The one or more volumetric periodic/non-periodic structures have a predetermined frequency, orientation, and angle. Optionally, different portions of the one or more volumetric periodic/non-periodic structures are subjected to different degrees and/or shapes of micromachining.

Abstract: A system for creating microstructures for data storage on a substrate employs a single modulated beam to write the data. The microstructures created can be in the form of lines created by a stylus constituted by a laser beam. Using the subject system, the individual microstructures can be configured to varying depths to achieve greater data storage capacity for the same surface area of substrate.