Discover the 7 most common types of near-field optics techniques used to investigate the optical properties of materials with sub-wavelength resolution. Explore their applications and how they revolutionized the field of optics.
Introduction
Near-field optics techniques have been widely used to investigate the optical properties of materials with sub-wavelength resolution. These techniques have revolutionized the field of optics and enabled researchers to study the behavior of light on the nanoscale. Near-field optics is a branch of optics that deals with the study of light-matter interaction at the nanoscale. In this article, we will discuss the 7 most common types of near-field optics techniques.
Types of Near-Field Optics Techniques
1. Scanning Near-Field Optical Microscopy (SNOM)
Scanning Near-Field Optical Microscopy (SNOM) is a technique that allows researchers to study the optical properties of materials with sub-wavelength resolution. The SNOM tip is placed in close proximity to the sample, and the light is focused onto the tip. The tip acts as a nano-sized light source, and the sample scatters the light. The scattered light is collected by the tip and detected by a photodetector. SNOM has been widely used in the study of plasmonics, nanophotonics, and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy.
2. Apertureless Near-Field Optical Microscopy
Apertureless Near-Field Optical Microscopy (ANOM) is a technique that uses a sharp tip to scan the sample in close proximity. The tip is illuminated by a laser, and the scattered light is collected by a photodetector. ANOM has been used to study the optical properties of materials, such as plasmonic structures, semiconductors, and biological samples.
3. Near-Field Scanning Optical Microscopy (NSOM)
Near-Field Scanning Optical Microscopy (NSOM) is a technique that uses a small aperture to collect the near-field light from the sample. The aperture is scanned across the sample, and
