Superconducting reflection filter

An optical reflection filter structure comprising:

• (a) a first layer of dielectric material;
• (b) a plurality of multipole elements in predetermined periodic array and spacing on said first layer, each multipole element including:
• (i) a central metal element of shape generally corresponding to that characterizing each multipole element;
• (ii) a plurality of spaced apart metal segments of predetermined length, and of width and thickness corresponding substantially to that of said central metal element, the spacings defined between adjacent metal segments and between said central metal element and adjacent metal segments being substantially uniform of predetermined width;
• and
• (iii) each of said spacings being filled with a segment of transition material interconnecting corresponding adjacent metal segments, each successive transition material segment outwardly of said central metal element having thickness smaller than the next inwardly disposed transition material segments, the innermost transition material segments having thickness substantially that of said metal segments and said central metal element, said transition material being characterized by a transition from superconducting phase to insulating phase upon being heated to a characteristic transition temperature.