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Casimir-Polder interaction between an atom and a small magnetodielectric sphere

Journal Article · · Physical Review. A
; ;  [1]
  1. Theoretisch-Physikalisches Institut, Friedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena, Max-Wien-Platz 1, D-07743 Jena (Germany)
On the basis of macroscopic quantum electrodynamics and point-scattering techniques, we derive a closed expression for the Casimir-Polder force between a ground-state atom and a small magnetodielectric sphere in an arbitrary environment. To allow for the presence of both bodies and media, local-field corrections are taken into account. Our results are compared with the known van der Waals force between two ground-state atoms. To continuously interpolate between the two extreme cases of a single atom and a macroscopic sphere, we also derive the force between an atom and a sphere of variable radius that is embedded in an Onsager local-field cavity. Numerical examples illustrate the theory.
OSTI ID:
21388722
Journal Information:
Physical Review. A, Journal Name: Physical Review. A Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 81; ISSN 1050-2947; ISSN PLRAAN
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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