Patent ID: 6262414
Filing Date: 2001-07-17
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
An optical probe comprising:a rod-shaped microlens having first and second end faces, which is provided with a refractive index distribution in a radial direction; andan evanescent light generating portion formed on the first end face of said microlens;wherein the refractive index distribution and the length of said microlens are such that parallel light that enters said microlens through the second end face converges while being transmitted through said microlens, and substantially focuses on the first end face;said evanescent light generating portion comprises a light-blocking film deposited on said first end face, which is provided with a micro-aperture formed substantially on an optical axis of said microlens;an aperture diameter of the micro-aperture is dimensioned such that the light transmitted through the microlens is leaked from said microlens substantially as evanescent light; andoutside said micro-aperture, the light transmitted through the microlens is reflected or absorbed by said light-blocking film.