Simple device for making optical fiber tips for scanning near field optical microscopes

Abstract
We present a simple heating-pulling setup for making optical fiber tips for scanning near field optical microscopes. The heating is realized with a resistant coil and the pulling is performed by a mechanical spring. There is no longer the need to use a laser, a multistage puller, or a computer. Fabrication can therefore be realized in situ with the fiber aligned on the microscope and this drastically reduces the cost.