Patent ID: 6426491
Filing Date: 2002-07-30
Classification: B82Y,G01Q,Y10S

Abstract:
A micro-aperture probe evaluating apparatus for evaluating performance of a micro-aperture probe, which is provided with a light passage aperture having a diameter shorter than wavelengths of light, said light passage aperture being formed at a radiating end of said micro-aperture probe, the apparatus comprising:i) a light source which produces light for evaluation, ii) an incidence optical system which causes the light for evaluation to enter into said micro-aperture probe from an entry end of said micro-aperture probe, iii) an image sensing means for receiving traveling light radiated out of the radiating end of said micro-aperture probe and detecting an intensity distribution pattern of the traveling light in a plane that intersects with a direction of travel of the traveling light, and iv) a displaying device which displays the detected intensity distribution pattern, wherein the apparatus is further provided with a collimating optical system, which collimates the traveling light radiated out of the radiating end of said micro-aperture probe and causes the collimated traveling light to impinge upon said image sensing means.