The time-dependent Casimir-Polder force arising during the time evolution of an initially bare two-level atom, interacting with the radiation field and placed near a perfectly conducting wall, is considered. Initially the electromagnetic field is supposed to be in the vacuum state and the atom in its ground state. The analytical expression of the force as a function of time and atom-wall distance is evaluated from the time-dependent atom-field interaction energy. Physical features and limits of validity of the results are discussed in detail.

• Received 26 July 2008

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.78.032108