Inferring scattering-type Scanning Near-Field Optical Microscopy Data from Atomic Force Microscopy Images

Abstract

Optical nanoscopy is crucial in life and materials sciences, revealing subtle cellular processes and nanomaterial properties. Scattering-type Scanning Near-field Optical Microscopy (s-SNOM) provides nanoscale resolution, relying on the interactions taking place between a laser beam, a sharp tip and the sample. The Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) is a fundamental part of an s-SNOM system, providing the necessary probe-sample feedback mechanisms for data acquisition. In this Letter, we demonstrate that s-SNOM data can be partially inferred from AFM images. We first show that a generative artificial intelligence (AI) model (pix2pix) can generate synthetic s-SNOM data from experimental AFM images. Second, we demonstrate that virtual s-SNOM data can be extrapolated from knowledge of the tip position and, consequently, from AFM signals. To this end, we introduce an analytical model that explains the mechanisms underlying AFM-to-s-SNOM image translation. These insights have the potential to be integrated into future physics-informed explainable AI models. The two proposed approaches generate pseudo s-SNOM data without direct optical measurements, significantly expanding access to optical nanoscopy through widely available AFM systems. This advancement holds great promise for reducing both time and costs associated with nanoscale imaging.