Fluorescence apertureless scanning near-field microscopy for high-resolution biological imaging

Apertureless scanning near-field optical microscopy (SNOM) offers new opportunities in fluorescence imaging by providing subwavelength resolution. This is achieved by scattering the near-field with a metallic tip. SNOM images have been recorded on fluorescent spheres and erbium-doped vitroceramic. We will also present approach curves that allow to better understand the near-field optical contrast origin. Our near-field microscope is now suitable for immersed samples imaging, in order to study biological samples.

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