A method is provided for depositing a patterning material onto an optically transparent substrate by the use of a laser beam. A solid layer of a patterning material is placed adjacent to a receiving surface of the substrate. A laser beam is directed at an incident angle between 0 and 90° relative to the receiving surface. The laser beam is transmitted through the substrate and onto the solid layer to cause patterning material from the solid layer to deposit onto the receiving surface of the substrate.