title: Sub-wavelength patterning of the optical near-field.
abstract: We report the sub-wavelength patterning of the optical near-field by total internal reflection illumination of a regular array of resonant gold nano-particles. Under appropriate conditions, the in-plane coupling between Localized Surface Plasmon (LSP) fields gives rise to sub-wavelength light spots between the structures. Measurements performed with an Apertureless Scanning Near-Field Optical Microscope (ASNOM) show a good agreement with theoretical predictions based on the Green dyadic method. This concept might offer a convenient way to elaborate extended optical trap landscapes for manipulation of sub-micrometer systems.
authors.forename: Romain
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Quidant
authors.forename: Goncal
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Badenes
authors.forename: Stéphanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cheylan
authors.forename: Ramon
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Alcubilla
authors.forename: Jean-Claude
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Weeber
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Girard