| Author(s): |
Chris A. Michaels; Lee J. Richter; Richard R. Cavanagh; Stephan J. Stranick; |
| Title: |
Scanning Near-Field Infared Microscopy and Spectroscopy with a Broadband Laser Source |
| Published: |
October 01, 2000 |
| Abstract: |
Near-field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM) is a powerful tool for the characterization of the optical properties of nanoscale objects, although pervasive artifacts often create difficulties in image interpretation. A three dimensional scanning NSOM method that yields artifact-free, constant height mode (CHM) images is discussed. A set of λ = 488 nm, CHM images of a Au nanoparticle sample acquired at probe-sample separations varying from 7 ± 3 nm to 160 ± 3 nm are presented. Analysis of optical features due to scattering from a Au nanoparticle provides an experimental measure of the spatial resolution decay as the sample is moved from the near-field of the probe aperture toward the far-field. The spatial resolution decays slowly for probe-sample separations up to approximately 110 nm, beyond which it quickly approaches the far-field diffraction limit. |
| Citation: |
Journal of Applied Physics |
| Volume: |
88 |
| Issue: |
No. 8 |
| Keywords: |
metal nanoparticles;near-field scanning optical microscopy;NSOM;optical microscopy |
| Research Areas: |
Nanotechnology |
