Local-field effect near the surface of dipolar lattices

The local-field correction near the surface of a dipolar crystal has been studied by explicitly computing the non-retarded electric field produced by a finite array of classical point dipoles induced by a time-varying electric field. Crystals of simple cubic, f.c.c. and b.c.c. structures are considered, and results presented for the self-consitent dipole moment and the local electric field at a lattice point. The utility of the method and its possible applications are discussed.