Local field enhancement with an apertureless near-field-microscope probe

Computer-simulated results of an electromagnetic field near the apex of a metallic probe of an apertureless near-field scanning optical microscope are shown under some different conditions. The results indicate that the metallic probe amplifies the electromagnetic field locally under the probe apex with an extent of apex size, The results were obtained through the calculation of Maxwell's differential electromagnetic equations in three-dimensional digitized space. Polarization-dependence of illumination on the field is also discussed. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.