METHOD AND DEVICE FOR OPTICAL NEAR-FIELD SCANNING MICROSCOPY OF TEST SPECIMENS IN LIQUIDS

摘要

Conventional methods for near-field scanning microscopy of test specimensin liquid assume the presence of a sufficiently smooth, reflecting specimensurface for detecting the vibrating movement of the optical fiber tip, and thusfor controlling the distance between the tip and surface.Any desired specimens can be investigated in virtually any liquid by meansof the method according to the invention, in which the vibrating movement isdetected without reflection at the specimen surface, preferably with the aid ofa light beam extending largely parallel to the specimen surface.Investigation of changes caused on the specimen surface by the liquid.