| abstract |
Surface sensitization of a chalcogenide glass is achieved by depositing an extremely thin silver layer, for example, by depositing a silver halide and developing and fixing in the absence of exposure. The sensitized chalcogenide can then be exposed to light to make it etch-resistant. Further exposure reverses the etch resistance, permitting positive or negative images and permitting erasure. Microlithographic resists such as masks can be formed. |