Solid state nano-electrolysis, its use in SNOM systems and other applications

Nano-optics is a new approach to the investigation of nano-scale light-matter interactions. The
main branch, Scanning Near-Field Optical Microscopy (SNOM), however, is su®ering from a major
technological shortcomings, namely the di±culty to generate suitable probes. Therefore, routine
operation at high resolution is still rare and requires the achievement of failure-free operation
conditions. Another new research area is the investigation of nano-scale matter transport by means
of solid state electrolysis and scanning probe microscopes. Solid sample as well as solid probes made
of such material permit nano-scale electrolytic reaction areas where highly localized structures can
be deposition and removed. In this PhD. work, nano-optics and nano-electrochemistry have been
combined in the design of a scanning microscope with which SNOM operation and solid electrolysis
investigations are demonstrated. Specifically, I introduce a unique in-situ imaging and structuring
capability developed on the basis of these techniques.