  Quantum control of atoms at ultrashort distances from surfaces would open a
new paradigm in quantum optics and offer a novel tool for the investigation of
near-surface physics. Here, we investigate the motional states of atoms that
are bound weakly to the surface of a hot optical nanofiber. We theoretically
demonstrate that with optimized mechanical properties of the nanofiber these
states are quantized despite phonon-induced decoherence. We further show that
it is possible to influence their properties with additional nanofiber-guided
light fields and suggest heterodyne fluorescence spectroscopy to probe the
spectrum of the quantized atomic motion. Extending the optical control of atoms
to smaller atom-surface separations could create opportunities for quantum
communication and instigate the convergence of surface physics, quantum optics,
and the physics of cold atoms.
