Hierarchical hologram based on optical near- and far-field responses

A "hierarchical hologram" and experiments using it are described. This type of hologram works both in optical far-fields and near-fields. We exploit the physical difference between the propagating light and optical near-field, where the former is associated with conventional holographic patterns obtained in optical far-fields, whereas the latter is associated with nanometric structure accessible only via optical near-fields. We also describe an experimental demonstration of the basic principles with our prototype optical elements.