Finite Difference Time Domain Calculations Combined with Analytical Methods for Study of Near-Field Optical Probe

The finite difference time domain method is combined with eigenmode analysis of the waveguide and the Helmholtz-Kirchhoff integral to study the field distribution and the throughput of the near-field optical probe. This includes a waveguide, a Si substrate with A1 coating, and a subwavelength aperture. It is found that the optics inside the probe and the optical properties of the probe depend strongly on the field distribution of the incident light.