High-speed near-field optical microscopy with low restriction to samples

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20H02658
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 30020:Optical engineering and photon science-related
• Research Institution: Osaka University
• Principal Investigator: Umakoshi Takayuki 大阪大学, 高等共創研究院, 講師 (00793192)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 近接場光学顕微鏡 / 高速原子間力顕微鏡

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The high-speed near-field optical microscopy is a super-resolution optical microscope capable of rapidly acquiring super-resolution optical images by swiftly scanning near-field light produced at the tip of a metallic probe. Utilizing physically tiny near-field light, unlike super-resolution fluorescence microscopes, one of its important features is its capability to incorporate various light measurement methods. In this study, we have developed an improved high-speed near-field optical microscope capable of observing various specimens. Utilizing the constructed high-speed near-field optical microscope, we were able to observe a range of samples, including advanced materials and biological samples under various conditions. Additionally, we constructed a side-illumination system for reflective measurements and verified its operability. These advancements have proved highly beneficial in realizing a versatile high-speed near-field optical microscopy.

Free Research Field

近接場光学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

高速近接場光学顕微鏡は、従来の近接場光学顕微鏡を大幅に高速化した新規超解像光学顕微鏡である。様々な光計測法を組み込んで、試料をナノスケールで高速に観察できる。本研究成果は、高速近接場光学顕微鏡の汎用性が著しく高められることを示唆するものであり、様々な試料を高速近接場光学顕微鏡で観察できるようになれば、その優れた分析能を活かして多岐にわたる分野・領域に貢献できる。