Controlling the propagation of surface plasmons-polaritons in different directions is key to their utilisation to transmit and process information at the nanoscale. A group of the Plasmo-nano-devices Network of Excellence has succeeded in fabricating extremely efficient Bragg mirrors that can bend the course of the plasmon at an arbitrary angle.

The Bragg mirror is formed by a series of parallel lines engraved into the metallic film that supports the propagation of the surface plasmon.

This near-field measurement shows that the insident plasmon (from the left) can be perfectly reflected by the mirror. Insertion losses of the device are extremely small.

Images courtesy of Dr. J.C. Weeber Laboratoire de Physique de l'Université de Bourgogne.