Effect of a finite thickness transition layer between media with differentpermittivities on charged particle localization in an external electric field

In this study we investigate the effect of a finite thickness transition la yer on the character of charged particle localization at the boundary separ ating domains with different electric permittivities. It is shown that the effective potential at the location of the particle can be determined using perturbation theory, and the conditions for the validity of the theory are discussed. We discuss various effects that can be observed experimentally in the behavior of charged particles located near the boundary. (C) 2001 Am erican Institute of Physics.