Interaction of a point charge with the surface of a uniaxial dielectric

TL;DR

This paper investigates how a relativistic point charge interacts with a uniaxial dielectric surface, revealing unique force behaviors and conditions for repulsion in plasma-like dielectrics.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of the force dynamics for a relativistic charge near uniaxial dielectrics, including the novel finding of charge repulsion under certain plasma conditions.

Findings

Plasma-type dielectrics can repel relativistic charges.

Interaction force varies with dielectric anisotropy and dispersion.

Distinct behaviors compared to isotropic dielectric surfaces.

Abstract

We analyze the force on a point charge moving at relativistic speeds parallel to the surface of a uniaxial dielectric. Two cases are examined: a lossless dielectric with no dispersion and a dielectric with a plasma type response. The treatment focuses on the peculiarities of the strength and direction of the interaction force as compared to the isotropic case. We show that a plasma type dielectric can, under specific conditions, repel the point charge.