Abstract
We address some practically important and experimentally relevant questions concerning atom-surface interactions. For example, the quadrupole interaction of an atom with a dielectric macroscopic surface is obtained with full allowance for retardation and in closed form, valid for an arbitrary atom-surface distance. We also explore the relevance of higher-order multipole effects in atom-surface interactions, and we find that details in the dielectric response function of the surface material have to be resolved in order to accurately calculate the atom-surface potential. They lead to important effects at an intermediate range which cannot be explained by either short-range or long-range asymptotics. A numerical example (helium interacting with $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-quartz) is included in order to illustrate this aspect.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
