An apparatus for replicating diffractive optical elements by embossing a master optical element into a photopolymer material disposed on a substrate, including a fixture for retaining, aligning, and conveying radiation to the embossing sample so that the photopolymer cures under pressure. Intermediate nickel optical elements may be used in lieu of quartz optical masters. The liquid processing techniques disclosed herein allow the replication of diffractive optics on curved substrates. This additional advantage eliminates the need for a plano optical interface further reducing the element count for a given optical system.