<p> A large focus of this thesis was developing the experimental procedures involved in imaging <i>VO₂</i> during the heating process. In order to study light interactions between an induced dipole and a sample surface to collect various data on its topography, amplitude and phase. Data is collected using a near-eld microscope (s-SNOM) and analyzed using various software that, normalize, lter and display the data in false color image. Specically, research behind this thesis, focuses on the phase transition of Vanadium Dioxide (<i>VO₂</i>) as it goes from an insulating to fully metallic phase. Using a wavelength of &lambda; = 10:7<i>&mu;m</i> to image the resonant behavior of the sample, the nucleation of <i>VO₂</i> was imaged as the temperature increased.</p>