Abstract
We demonstrate a new technology for the replication of titanium oxide glass micro- and nanostructures. Diffractive optical elements, like gratings, and Fresnel lenses with structural features down to 600 nm, are replicated in polymer moulds starting from liquid glass solutions. The salient features of the TiO2 microstructures are: (i) a high refractive index (of the order of 1.95-1.99), (ii) excellent transparence in the visible range and (iii) photocatalytic activity under UV illumination, which induces super-hydrophilicity. The latter property is of importance for anti-fogging and self-cleaning properties of the optical structures.