abstract |
(57) [Summary] An object of the present invention is to provide a near-field optical probe with high resolution and high efficiency. A near-field light is generated using a planar scatterer (11) formed on a substrate surface and having a gradually reduced width. At this time, the near-field light intensity is enhanced by making the area of the scatterer 11 smaller than the area of the light spot and setting the material, shape, and dimensions of the scatterer so that plasmon resonance occurs. [Effect] A near-field light generating device having a light use efficiency of light can be obtained. |