Abstract: This invention relates generally to the development of and a method of fabricating a micro optical fiber light source. An optical fiber micro-light source is presented whose aperture is extremely small yet able to act as an intense light source. Light sources of this type have wide ranging applications, including use as micro-sensors in NSOM. Micro-sensor light sources have excellent detection limits as well as photo stability, reversibility, and millisecond response times. Furthermore, a method for manufacturing a micro optical fiber light source is provided. It involves the photo-chemical attachment of an optically active material onto the end surface of an optical fiber cable which has been pulled to form an end with an extremely narrow aperture. More specifically, photopolymerization has been applied as a means to photo-chemically attach an optically active material. This process allows significant control of the size of the micro light source.

Abstract: A nanometer dimension light source includes a source of excitation and an active, electrooptic or chemilluminescent material such as crystalline anthracene. The material is introduced into a confined space having molecular dimensions or is shaped to a point of molecular dimensions. The material is surrounded by an insulator such as a glass pipette which also forms the confined space and which also serves as a reflector for radiation produced in the material. An electric field is imposed on the active medium, injecting holes and electrons which recombine to produce light within the small dimensions of the pipette.

Abstract: A nanometer dimension light source includes a source of excitation and an active, electrooptic or chemilluminescent material such as crystalline anthracene. The material is introduced into a confined space having molecular dimensions or is shaped to a point of molecular dimensions. The material is surrounded by an insulator such as a glass pipette which also forms the confined space and which also serves as a reflector for radiation produced in the material. An electric field is imposed on the active medium, injecting holes and electrons which recombine to produce light within the small dimensions of the pipette.