Abstract
We proposed and built a near-field scanning optical microscope (NSOM) to enable the characterization of the spin angular momentum (SAM) distribution of electromagnetic fields with nanoscale resolution. The NSOM probe was composed of a circular nanohole formed in a thick gold film that was deposited on a tapered cone fiber. The near-field signal, when coupled through the nanohole to the fiber, was split and analyzed using a combination of a quarter-wave plate and a polarizer to extract the two circular polarization components of the signal. This allowed us to characterize the out-of-plane SAM component, which was determined using the relationship Sz ∝ IRCP − ILCP. Using the developed system, we mapped the SAM distributions of a variety of tightly focused cylindrical vector vortex beams and thus validated the system's effectiveness. The proposed spin-resolved NSOM could be a valuable tool for studies of both near-field spin optics and topological photonics.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
