Atom localization by damping spectrum of surface plasmon polariton waves

The damping spectrum of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) is significantly enhanced for atom localization in regions beneath .1/20 x .1/20. By changing the phases and directions of control fields, two and single localization peaks are observed in the SPP damping spectrum. Circular and elliptical localization peaks are predominantly controlled in the .12 areal region of -pi <= kx <= pi and -pi <= ky <= pi. Additionally, craters and sharp peaks resembling localization can be modified and controlled within the two-dimensional space of .12 with a resolution smaller than .12/400. These modifications may be advantageous to the trapping of neutral atoms, nanolithography, and plasmonics technology.