Near field optical probe for simultaneous phase and enhanced amplitude contrast in reflection mode using path matched differential interferometry and method of making it

Abstract

A probe includes first and second single-mode optical fibers with a semi-reflecting mirror between them. The second optical fiber is tapered by heating and pulling. The semi-reflecting mirror, the tapered portion, and the sample form a Fabry-Perot cavity. The probe can be used in a system having a differential interferometer which provides the appropriate path difference with a mirror on a piezoelectric transducer.

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Description

PTO

Inventor(s)

Christopher Davis, Walaid Atia, Saeed Pilevar

Date Issued

11/23/1999

Patent No.

5,990,474