Reflection of metastable neon atoms by a surface plasmon wave

The ‘‘electromagnetic (e.m.) mirror’’ for neutral atoms is based on the principle that, for near resonant blue shifted frequency, the a.c. Stark shift of an evanescent wave acts as an inhomogeneous potential repelling the atoms. We investigate the reflection of neon metastable atoms by a surface plasmon wave at the metal‐vacuum interface which enhances the electric field amplitude when compared with the standard technique.