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Superresolution imaging fiber for subwavelength light energy generation and near-field optical microscopy

  • US 5,633,972 A
  • Filed: 11/29/1995
  • Issued: 05/27/1997
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/29/1995
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A superresolution imaging fiber comprising:

  • a preformed, unitary fiber optic array of predetermined configuration and dimensions comprised of a plurality of optical fiber strands disposed co-axially along their lengths and having two discrete optic array ends each formed of multiple optical fiber strand ends and strand end faces, wherein(a) the first of said discrete optic array ends is formed of multiple optical fiber strand ends which collectively present a non-tapered, optic array end surface for the introduction and conveyance of light energy, and(b) the second of said discrete optic array ends is formed of tapered multiple optical fiber strand ends of reduced thickness each of which presents a tapered strand end face limited in size to a range from about 2 nanometers to about 1,000 nanometers in diameter, said tapered multiple strand end faces collectively presenting a tapered optic array end surface;

    an opaque metal coating covering said second tapered optic array end surface and overlaying said tapered multiple optical fiber strand end faces as a plurality of open-ended opaque metal tubes each having a size-limited end aperture ranging from about 2 nanometers to less than about 1,000 nanometers in diameter.

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