Detect the sub-wavelength data by applying a very-small-aperture laser

We present a theoretical and experimental research about applying a very-small-aperture laser (VSAL) to detect subwavelength data. Near-field distribution of a VSAL, which is essential for the application of such near-field devices, will be affected by the sample or fiber posited in the near-field region of the aperture. When the device is applied to detect the sub-wavelength data, the real resolution depends on the near-field spot size, the divergent angle of the beam and the distance from the aperture to the sample. Experimental results, including the near-field detection of the spot and detection of the sub-wavelength data by using the VSAL, are presented in this paper. We realize the two dimensional scanning about the sub-wavelength data (with the width 600 nm) by employing a VSAL with a 300 nm × 300 nm aperture. A image is presented. Experimental image of the near-field distribution of the VSAL whose square aperture is 300 nm × 300 nm. © 2006 by Astro Ltd.