Near-field scanning optical microscopy of nanostructures

The applications of near-field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM) to various nano-structured materials are reviewed. The review begins with a description of experimental aspects of NSOM and the various contrast mechanisms available with the technique. Applications of NSOM to a variety of different materials are then addressed including: NSOM of semiconductor heterostructures, NSOM of polymers and molecular crystals, and NSOM of Langmuir-Blodgett films and layered organic self-assemblies.