August 1997 REPORT FOR

W. CHARLES SYMONS, III

As mentioned in last month's report, an abstract entitled NIR NEAR-FIELD MICROSCOPY was requested for the Eastern Analytical Symposium (EAS) on November 18, 1997. This abstract was completed and submitted by the requested deadline and is now available online via the above link. In addition to the EAS abstract, a preliminary abstract is currently being prepared for the 1998 Pittsburgh Conference and should be available online in next month's report.

As far as the new NSOM stage being ordered, the primary vendor, Melles Griot, was contacted and a complete price quote was obtained. Additionally, two alternate vendors, Thor Labs and Newport, were identified and their competitive products are currently being investigated.