A scanning near‐field microscope design using the reflected light intensity as the feedback mechanism is described. Multiple fibers with high numerical apertures provide a high collection efficiency in a reflection geometry. The performance with regard to its response to large spatial variations has been tested by using a Si‐grating sample and with regard to variations of local indices of refraction by using GaAs/AlGaAs heterostructure samples. In addition, spatially resolved spectroscopy on GaAs/AlGaAs heterostructures has been obtained. ©1996 American Institute of Physics.