OPTICAL FIELD DYNAMICS UNDER THE ATOMIC-FORCE MICROSCOPE TIP ILLUMINATED WITH FEMTOSECOND LASER PULSES
Using the FDTD simulation we studied the spatio-temporal dynamics of the optical field under the metal tip of an atomic-force microscope illuminated with femtosecond laser pulses. The cases of the tip placed above the substrates made of silicon and photoresist are considered. Field enhancement factors under the tip are shown to be as high as 80-180 depending on the material of the substrate. It is demonstrated that plasmons excited on the surface of the tip play an essential role in the phenomenon of field enhancement.