Described herein are methods for constructing optical device without the need of chemical adhesives. The methods involve performing the following steps: obtaining a first optical substrate comprising a first surface and a second optical substrate comprising a second surface; applying water to the first surface of the first optical substrate, to the second surface of the second optical substrate, or both; securing the first optical substrate to the second optical substrate, wherein the first surface of the first optical substrate is adjacent to the second surface of the second optical substrate; and applying deep ultraviolet radiation to the first optical substrate and the second optical substrate to form a bond without the use of adhesive. Also provided are optical devices constructed by the methods described herein.