We describe the realization of a phase-sensitive and ultrafast near-field microscope, optimized for investigation of surface plasmon polariton propagation. The apparatus consists of a homebuilt near-field microscope that is incorporated in Mach-Zehnder-type interferometer which enables heterodyne detection. We show that this microscope is able to measure dynamical properties of both photonic and plasmonic systems with phase sensitivity.

doi.org/10.1063/1.2825463
Rev. Sci. Instrum.

Sandtke, M., Engelen, R. J. P., Schoenmaker, H., Attema, I., Dekker, H., Cerjak, I., … Kuipers, K. (2008). Novel instrument for surface plasmon polariton tracking in space and time. Rev. Sci. Instrum., 79(Article number: 13704), 1–10. doi:10.1063/1.2825463