Abstract: The invention relates to a method of generating an ordered deposition geometry on a surface of a compound optical fibre, which comprises: (a) arranging a plurality of optical fibres and/or compound optical fibres in common orientation and close packed configuration to form a bundle; (b) drawing the bundle under suitable conditions to produce a compound optical fibre of desired diameter; (c) processing the compound optical fibre to produce a substantially planar surface; (d) subjecting said surface to an etching agent to produce surface relief (e) subjecting said surface with relief to metal coating. The invention also covers a compound optical fibre having an ordered deposition geometry on a substantially planar surface that is substantially transverse to compound optical fibre longitudinal axis, wherein the compound optical fibre comprises individual optical elements of less than about 1000 nm in diameter.