A near field light probe is capable of emanating a near field light having
a sufficient intensity while allowing reduction of aperture size to
improve resolution. The near field light probe can be incorporated in a
near-field optical microscope, a near field light lithography apparatus,
and a near field light storage apparatus. A near field light probe has a
configuration in which a light-blocking film is formed with an aperture
having slits surrounding the major opening. Light emitted from a light
source is coupled into the probe from one side of the light-blocking film,
the light being polarized in a predetermined direction with respect to the
slits so that a near field light emanates from the major opening.
