Conical reflection of light during free-space coupling into a symmetrical metal-cladding waveguide

摘要

Novel conical reflection of light by a thick three-layered metal-clad optical waveguide is observed. A symmetrical metal-cladding optical waveguide is used, which exhibits extraordinary conical reflection during free-space coupling of light to the waveguide. The phenomenon is attributed to the leakage of excited ultrahigh-order guided modes and their inter- and intramode coupling interaction.