The invention relates to a method for producing a substrate having a resist layer in the form of a relief structure, which represents a diffraction structure. The resist layer at least in certain areas adjoins a conductive layer, which scatters the primary electrons and/or produces secondary electrons when the resist layer is exposed by means of an electron beam. With this method the material of the resist layer and the conductive layer and the exposure parameters are adjusted to each other such that the resist layer is also exposed outside the area impinged with the electron beam such that the flanks of the relief structure obtain an inclined form.