Super-Resolution of Nano-Materials and Quantum Effects Obtained by Microspheres

Abstract

Microsphere super-resolutions, which are beyond the Abbe classical limit, are described. The conversion of evanescent waves to propagating waves, are analyzed by using the geometry of the microsphere. In microsphere experiments a nanojet is produced near the focal plane where its width is smaller than the Abbe limit and this width remains unchanged in the axial direction for some wavelengths. The interference between evanescent waves converted to propagating waves and the nanojet leads to increase in light intensity and confinement effects in the focal plane. However, the nanojet is not the main source of the super-resolutions as the fine structures are available mainly in the evanescent waves. Quantum effects for super-resolutions are obtained from special properties of the evanescent waves leading to an uncertainty relation. Various methods for increasing the phase contrast in microsphere experiments are described which can lead to phase objects measurements. Plasmon interaction can be used for measuring fine structures of special systems and for converting evanescent waves to propagating waves, but they might also change the optical image in a way which is difficult to analyze.. Most microsphere high-resolution experiments are made without plasmon interactions.