Near-field light-generating element for producing localized near-field light, near-field optical recording device, and near-field optical microscope

摘要

A near-field light-generating element has a support member and a minute aperture having a size smaller than the wavelength of incident light provided on the support member so as to produce near-field light in response to incident light directed thereto. The minute aperture has a contour in a given plane with one side lying along a line perpendicular to a direction of polarization of the incident light and an opposite side in the given plane defining an apex.