Near-field optical polarization microscopy in internal-reflection configuration with ultrasmall aperture probe

Summary form only given. Polarization-sensitive imaging using near-field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM) is a fundamental method for the magneto-optical study of micro-structures. The polarization NSOM also offers another contrast mechanism based on the depolarization effect due to the near-field tip-sample interaction. For achievement of higher resolution and application to opaque materials, internal-reflection NSOM (IR-NSOM) with an aperture probe is the most promising technique. Here, we demonstrate the operation of IR-NSOM through the investigation of phase-change recording media. By obtaining background suppression as high as 10/sup -5/, amorphous marks are clearly imaged with an optical contrast higher than that in conventional far-field configuration.