A composite evanescent waveguide can include a first structured dielectric layer and a second dielectric material oriented adjacent one another to form a wave propagation interface between the first structured dielectric layer and second dielectric material. Each of the first structured dielectric layer and second dielectric material are formed of materials such that the wave propagation interface can be capable of propagating an all-evanescent surface wave. The resulting propagating surface waves tend to have low losses and can be suitable for optical communications, surface analysis, sensors, and a variety of other applications.