The Photon Tunneling Microscope is used to provide high resolution (subnanometer vertical), quantifiable, real-time, 3-D (with continuously variable viewpoint) imaging and profilometry of homogenous dielectric samples, whether transparent or absorbing. A partial list of these includes: thin films (micraroughness. damage evaluation, step height) optical storage media (pit depth and shape measurement), magnetic media (microroughness, wear tracks), polymers (surface characterization), optical surfaces (microroughness, damage, polishing evaluation), diamond-turned optical surfaces (tool and machine characteristics from surface topography), binary optic surfaces, porous silicon structure, photographic grain analysis, replicas of metal surfaces, microlithography evaluation, and manufacturing web evaluation (film base, magnetic media base).