Integral equations applied to wave propagation in two dimensions: modelingthe tip of a near-field scanning optical microscope

We present a Green's-function/Green's-theorem integral equation approach to numerically modeling two-dimensional, s-polarized, wave propagation proble ms effectively for a variety of geometries. The model accurately calculates both near fields and far fields because of the minimal assumptions made on the behavior of the scattered radiation. The method was applied to modelin g light emission from a near-field scanning optical microscope fiber tip. S everal convergence and energy tests were used to give confidence in the res ults. The behavior of intensity and power near the tip was investigated. Th e effects of changing the dielectric constant of a sample material located below the tip were also examined. (C) 2001 Optical Society of America.