FIELD: examination and analysis of materials. SUBSTANCE: resonance excitation of surface plasmonic polaritons is performed in layer of metal coated with substance sensitive to examined characteristics of medium. Interference is carried out with use of radiation beam reflected under given conditions and of certain reference beam, and parameters of spatial distribution of intensity in obtained interference picture are recorded. Characteristics being examined are judged by the above- indicated parameters. Method increases sensitivity and resolution of measurements by at least two orders. EFFECT: enhanced accuracy of measurements. 11 cl, 2 dwg
