NANOMETER LIGHT-SOURCE AND MOLECULAR EXCITON MICROSCOPY

We describe the development of a new nanometer light source based on exciton transmitted optical radiation as well as a new biologically non-invasive ultraresolution light microscopy, based on combining the energy transfer "spectral ruler" method with the micro-movement technology employed in STM. We use near-field scanning optical microscopy, with micropipettes containing crystals of energy packaging donor molecules in the tips that can have apertures below 5 nm. The excitation of these tips extends near field microscopy well beyond the 50 nm limit. The theoretical resolution limit for this spectrally sensitive light microscope is well below 1 nm. The Z-distance feedback control is illustrated by the exciton-plasmon transfer from an anthracene crystal tip to a thin gold film (transparent to light). © 1990.