Ultra-thin condensers for optical subwavelength resolution microscopy

Abstract

We present optical subwavelength resolution images of periodic patterned nanostructures using ultra-thin condensers (UTCs) illuminated by evanescent waves. We demonstrate bright and dark field microscopy using UTCs based on two types of surface wave illumination: surface plasmon polaritons and evanescent waves related to total internal reflection. We provide a discussion about the potential of UTCs for deep subwavelength resolution microscopy, and we discuss the similarities and differences between proposed UTCs, traditional bulky optical condensers, and several demonstrated superlenses.