Abstract
We study the near-field and the angular distribution of radiation resulting from the scattering of surface plasmon polaritons from a surface defect by means of numerical calculations based on the use of the impedance boundary condition. Maximum reflection (plasmon mirrors) is found for half widths on the order of the inverse of the surface plasmon wavevector, either protuberances or indentations, as predicted by a perturbation-theoretic argument. Maximum radiation (light emitters) occurs for wider protuberances, with coupling efficiencies beyond 80%.