An alternative approach which makes use of a laser to reduce a polymer/complexed metal ion matrix to generate small reflective surfaces is described. The thermal energy provided by the laser promotes an electron transfer from the polymer to the metal ion to form metal. Since the reduction occurs within the thermal profile of the focused laser beam, the reflective area has a diameter close to that of the beam waist. We have formed ∼l‐&mgr;m‐diam reflective areas using a pulsed diode laser. Application of this method to optical disk recording is discussed.