Resonant Casimir--Polder forces in planar meta-materials

Abstract

We study the resonant Casimir--Polder potential of an excited atom near a half space containing magneto-electric meta-material of various kinds on the basis of macroscopic quantum electrodynamics. Analytical results are obtained in the nonretarded and retarded distance regimes and numerical examples are given. We compare our findings with the potential of an excited atom near a left-handed superlens.