The process of ablation of the surface of polyethylene using ultraviolet radiation in the presence of ozone has been studied. The average rate of material erosion is quite small but is selective, preferentially etching the amorphous regions. The resultant fine scale surface topography has been examined using transmission electron microscopy of replicas, and lamellae are readily visible. The light source emitted two principal wavelengths, with the shorter wavelength affecting measured etching rates more strongly.