Image potential of a point dipole in the vicinity of a non-perfect charged medium
Résumé
The classical image-potential energy of a point dipole located in a dielectric in contact with a metal or an elecrolyte solution may be substantially modified by the penetration of the electric field in these media. Depending on the value of the permittivity, this potential may become repulsive at small distances from the interface. A discontinuity in the permittivity of the dielectric is also introduced to simulate the presence of an inner layer. A general expression of the image-potential energy is discussed.