Near-Field Scanning Optical Microscopes (NSOMs)

Near-field scanning optical microscopy permits the user to collect data using typical optical contrast methods such as absorption, polarization, and fluorescence with a resolution approximately one order of magnitude smaller than the wavelength of light. This technique takes advantage of the fact that light may be directed through a 50-nm aperture at the end of an optical fiber that may then be scanned across the surface of a specimen. The fiber tip is held tens of nanometers above the surface, and both a topographic and optical image of the sample may be generated simultaneously. Fluorescence (UV/Visible light range) spectra may be recorded by holding the tip over a single feature.

Tables for the Zeiss Objectives can be found here.

ITG users may reserve time on the NSOM using the NSOM calendar.

Manufacturer:	two instruments fabricated in the laboratory
Features:	transmission, reflection, and collection NSOM
Location:	B606D
Phone:	none
Contact Person:	Leilei Yin
Fees & Consumables:	See Microscopy Suite Fees
Related Equipment:	Fiber Puller
Related Forums:	Surface plasmon resonance microscopy with a near field scanning optical microscope. Near Field Scanning Optical Microscopy in the Microscopy Suite.
Related Technical Reports:	Imaging Ultrathin Organic Films on the Nanometer Level Using Surface Plasmons.
File Format:	NSOM files have a proprietary format and can be viewed with the Digital Instruments software or Image SXM. They can be saved from the Digital Instruments software in other formats (for example tiff).