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Abstract

This invention relates to a novel, all-fiber near-field scanning optical microscope (NSOM) that can have substantially improved sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) over the conventional NSOM design. The main advance for the all-fiber high-SNR NSOM is the use of a cleaved, flat-top fiber for collecting the light below a NSOM fiber probe with a tapered tip. The collecting fiber can be either a single-mode or a multi-mode fiber. The sample is mounted on one end of the collecting fiber, while the other end is directly coupled to a light detector. The use of fibers for both delivering and collecting light improves the sensitivity and SNR because the receiving fiber acts both as a position and angle filter, and the light is collected immediately after the sample. Moreover, for long and thin samples, the collecting fiber may be replaced by a planar waveguide structure such as a slab glass or semiconductor waveguide. This guided wave collection NSOM design can lead to a compact, lightweight, ultra-rapid and agile instrument. The resulting instrument will be particularly attractive for applications in military field deployment and bio-medical diagnostics instruments. Also, the low thermal mass and compact NSOM head will be easily amenable to aqueous or cryogenic applications for the instrument.

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First Claim