Internal dynamics of multilevel atoms near a vacuum-dielectric interface

We show how the internal dynamics of a multilevel atom are modified in the vicinity of the interface between a vacuum and a simple or multilayered lossless dielectric medium. Optical Bloch equations are derived, which take into account the modifications of spontaneous emission rates and energy levels experienced by the atom. van der Waals level shifts are evaluated using the method of images for dielectrics. Spontaneous emission rates and radiation patterns are calculated in a simple way using the Lorentz reciprocity theorem. {} 1996 The American Physical Society.