Motoichi OHTSU^1,2

¹Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Systems, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
²Nanophotonic Research Center, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan

(Received April 25, 2014; Accepted June 9, 2014)

This paper reviews the framework of classical near-field optics and recent progress in modern near-field optics. Some applications are also reviewed, including novel optical functional devices, nano-fabrication technologies, energy conversion technologies, and information processing systems. Novel theoretical models based on mathematical science are also presented, as well as an outlook for the future, hinting at the possibilities of near-field optics.

Key words: optical near field, photon, electron, phonon, device, fabrication, energy conversion