Designs of apertureless probe with nano-slits for near-field light localization and concentration

This paper presents recent studies on nano-patterned plasmonic probes that can provide highly localized and enhanced light for the near-field scanning optical microscopy. The mechanism to realize such localized light source is introduced and numerically characterized in the near field. In addition, the attainable wideband operation of the plasmonic probe through the proper design is also discussed with particular attention to developing potential applications in the near-field scanning optical microscopy.