Comparison of different modes of reflection in near-field optical imaging

Near-field scanning optical microscopy overcomes the diffraction limit of conventional optical microscopy but still maintains most of the features of light microscopy. This paper will explore near-field microscopy in a reflection mode. Two different methods, one a collection mode with a micropipette probe receiver and the other an illumination mode with a single mode fiberprobe transmitter, will be compared. The optical interaction of the tip with the sample will be discussed for both cases. In addition, near-field optical images obtained in both cases will be presented and interpreted.