Near field optics and magnetism

Near field optical microscopy allows resolution far beyond the half wavelength that corresponds to the Rayleigh criterion. This is achieved by detecting the evanescent waves in the near field, typically some nanometers, from the object. Optical and topographic images are made simultaneously by scanning the surface. High resolution images of magnetic domains or singularities were obtained with a combination of near field optical microscopy and magnetooptical effects. A wide review of results will be presented.