Dispersion interactions in stratified anisotropic and optically active media at all separations

TL;DR

This paper introduces a matrix-based method to compute dispersion interactions in layered anisotropic and optically active media, applicable across different separation regimes and media with varying anisotropy orientations.

Contribution

It presents a novel algebraic approach using 4x4 matrices for calculating dispersion forces in complex stratified media, extending known models to anisotropic and optically active systems.

Findings

Method is equivalent to known limits for isotropic and uniaxial media

Capable of handling smoothly varying anisotropy axes

Applicable at all separation distances

Abstract

We propose a method to calculate dispersion interactions in a system composed of a one dimensional layering of finite thickness anisotropic and optically active slabs. The result is expressed within the algebra of 4x4 matrices and is demonstrated to be equivalent to the known limits of isotropic, nonretarded and uniaxial dispersion interactions. The method is also capable of handling dielectric media with smoothly varying anisotropy axes.