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Exact dispersion-force potentials: interaction of an atom with a conductor-patched dielectric surface

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posted on 2023-06-08, 14:42 authored by Claudia Eberlein, Robert Zietal
We study the interaction between a neutral atom or molecule and a conductor-patched dielectric surface. We model this system by a perfectly reflecting disk lying atop a nondispersive dielectric half-space, both interacting with the neutral atom or molecule. We assume the interaction to be nonretarded and at zero temperature. We find an exact solution to this problem. In addition, we generate a number of other useful results. For the case of no substrate, we obtain the exact formula for the van der Waals interaction energy of an atom near a perfectly conducting disk. We show that the force acting on an atom that is polarized in the direction normal to the surface of the disk displays intricate behavior. This part of our results is directly relevant to recent matter-wave experiments in which cold molecules are scattered by a radially symmetric object in order to study interference patterns and the so-called Poisson spot. Furthermore, we give an exact expression for the nonretarded limit of the dispersion force potential between an atom and a perfectly conducting bowl.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

Physical Review A

ISSN

1050-2947

Publisher

American Physical Society

Issue

5

Volume

86

Page range

052522-1

Department affiliated with

  • Physics and Astronomy Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2013-04-17

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2013-04-17

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2013-04-17

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