Quantum electrodynamics in the presence of dielectrics and conductors. VI. Theory of Lippmann fringes

Abstract

A quantum-theoretic treatment of Lippmann fringes is given using the response-function formalism of part I of this series of papers. It is shown that the field emitted by the excited atom in the presence of a dielectric mirror possesses first-order coherence, and the absorption of such a field by the unexcited atom leads to the interference fringes. The nature of the emitted field is also examined from the point of view of excitation of surface modes. The causal character of the absorption process is also briefly commented upon.