Laser-induced forces in metallic nanosystems: the role of plasmon resonances

We present calculations of the laser-induced force between metallic nanospheres, similar and dissimilar in character, and that between a metallic nanosphere and a planar surface. When the separation between these objects is in the 0.5-2 nm range, we find very strong resonances in the laser-induced force associated with excitation of plasmon resonances. Measurement of such forces will provide direct access to the plasmon enhancements of laser fields so critical to optical spectroscopy in the nanoenvironment.