<title>Scanning near-field optical microscopy: application to biological sciences</title>

Abstract

Recent developments in genetic engineering and medical informatics offer enormous potential for biotechnology. However, key enabling technologies, such as medical instrumentation and analytical tools, are required to support further research in this field. The scanning near-field optical microscopy (SNOM) is one of the key instruments for research in these areas. In this paper, we review the synergy of the SNOM with other technologies for the imaging and characterization of biological materials. Based on this review, the components and systems design parameters are summarized.