Near Field Optics and Nanoscopy

This text contains the most recent information on near field optics, namely the properties of the optical e.m. waves which propagate over distances shorter than the wavelength, taking into account the presence of small objects. How optical images can be obtained from submicron objects using scanning probe techniques and computer processing is covered here. Quantum tunnelling of photons is explained comparatively with similar electron mechanism. Technical details are given on photon scanning of tunnelling microscopes. The typical results already obtained with these techniques are also described.