[OPTICAL REVIEW Vol. 8, No. 1 (2001) 54-58]

Finite Difference Time Domain Calculations Combined with Analytical Methods for Study of Near-Field Optical Probe

Manabu OUMI

Seiko Instruments Inc., Takatsuka Unit, 563 Takatsuka-Shinden, Matsudo, Chiba, 270-2222 Japan

(Received August 30, 2000; Accepted November 24, 2000)

The finite difference time domain method is combined with eigenmode analysis of the waveguide and the Helmholtz-Kirchhoff integral to study the field distribution and the throughput of the near-field optical probe. This includes a waveguide, a Si substrate with Al coating, and a subwavelength aperture. It is found that the optics inside the probe and the optical properties of the probe depend strongly on the field distribution of the incident light.

Key words : finite difference time domain, near-field probe, waveguide, Si substrate, subwavelength aperture, analytical methods, incident light field

manabu.ooumi@sii.co.jp

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