The dynamics of the microplasmas created at a transparent solid–solid interface were investigated extensively. Microplasmas were generated at an interface between a carbon (C) or a germanium (Ge) target and a SiO2 substrate by irradiating a KrF excimer laser beam onto the target, and the dynamics of the plasmas were investigated with the aid of optical emission spectroscopy. Although the emission spectra that contained the characteristic emission lines and the absorption bands originated from C and Ge species were observed from the C and Ge plasmas without the SiO2 substrate, identical spectra were obtained from both the plasmas created at the C–SiO2 and Ge–SiO2 interfaces. Furthermore, the target and the Si substrate surfaces were examined with a scanning electron microscope. The SiO2 substrate was smoothly etched and a nanostructure of a chain-like morphology was also observed in the deposits on the SiO2 substrate.