Nanoimagery by near-field optical microscopy

For over a century, it was accepted on theoretical grounds that the optimum resolution of conventional microscopes was limited to around 250 nm. Today, near-field optical microscopy makes it possible to break through this barrier. Based on the observation of light diffracted by the object at only a few nanometers from its surface, this new optic gives us access to the behavior of materials in response to electromagnetic excitation with a resolution of just a few nanometers, representing a spectacular technological advance in the field.