Introducing graduate students in physics, optics, materials science and electrical engineering to surface plasmons, this book also covers guided modes at planar interfaces of metamaterials with negative refractive index. The physics of localized and propagating surface plasmons, on planar films, gratings, nanowires and nanoparticles, is developed using both analytical and numerical techniques. Guided modes at the interfaces between materials with any combination of positive or negative permittivity and permeability are analyzed in a systematic manner. Applications of surface plasmon physics are described, including near-field transducers in heat-assisted magnetic recording and biosensors. Resources at www.cambridge.org/9780521767170 include Mathematica code to generate figures from the book, color versions of many figures, and extended discussion of topics such as vector diffraction theory.

This technology has proved indispensable as a characterization tool with applications in surface physics, chemistry, materials science, bio-science, and data storage media. It has also shown great potential in areas such as the semiconductor and optical quality control industries.

This revised edition updates the earlier such survey of the many rapidly developing subjects concerning the mapping of a variety of forces across surfaces, including basic theory, instrumentation, and applications. It also includes important new research in SFM and a thoroughly revised bibliography. Academic and industrial researchers using SFM or wishing to know more about its potential, will find this book an excellent introduction to this rapidly developing field.