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 multil
ayered lossless dielectric medium. Optical Bloch equations are derived
, which take into account the modifications of spontaneous emission ra
tes and energy levels experienced by the atom. van der Waals level shi
fts are evaluated using the method of images for dielectrics. Spontane
ous emission rates and radiation patterns are calculated in a simple w
ay using the Lorentz reciprocity theorem.