Imaging and spectroscopy through plasmonic nano-probe

¹ Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, 565-0871 Osaka, Japan
² Department of Frontier Bioscience, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, 565-0871 Osaka, Japan
³ Department of Applied Physics, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, 565-0871 Osaka, Japan

Corresponding author: yuika@ap.eng.osaka-u.ac.jp

Received: 24 March 2009
Accepted: 25 March 2009
Published online: 15 April 2009

Abstract

This article is a comprehensive review of the subject of near-field nano imaging and spectroscopy by surface plasmon polaritons induced on a metallized probe. The emphasis of the review is on fundamental aspects of plasmon enhancement and near-field spectroscopy, which are categorized as optical antenna structures, polarization properties in near-field, resonance frequency of surface plasmons, etc. Most recent studies that contribute to the understanding and interpretation of these phenomena are highlighted. Applications of near-field optics as newly established analytical tools for biology, materials sciences and plasmonic superlenses are included in the article.