Abstract

This tutorial describes the rapidly growing field of near-field optics, especially photon scanning tunneling microscopy (or, scanning near field optical microscopy) and its application to nano-scale photonics and quantum optics. Principle of the nano-metric resolution photon STM, fabrication technology of probe tip including functional super-tip, and control system for data acquisition are reviewed. Results of imaging experiments on photonic devices as well as biological samples are demonstrated. Novel quantum optical pehnomena originating from short-range electromagnetic interactions observed in the fluorescence detection are presented. As an application to nano-scale photonics, possibility of high density optical storage is discussed. Furthermore, in order to explore the new field of atom manipulation, control of thermal motion of atoms in vacuum, e.g., an atom guide, are discussed. Finally a future outlook of the relevant near-field optics will be given.

© 1995 IEEE