Periscope-like endoscope for transmission of a near field in the infrared range

A possibility to transmit near field through a periscope-like endoscope formed by an array of bent metallic rods is investigated. This is a first step on the way to development of flexible near-field endoscopes. An effort to tunnel the near field of a crown-shaped object through the periscope with 45 degrees bending angle is made, and a shift in the operating frequency band with respect to that of the straight endoscope is observed. An analysis of transmission coefficient as a function of transverse wave vector has been provided for a better understanding of the device operation. A distinctive nature of surface waves appearing at both interfaces has also been reported. (C) 2010 Optical Society of America