  In this paper we review different aspects of the dynamical Casimir- Polder
potential between a neutral atom and a perfectly conducting plate under
nonequilibrium conditions. In order to calculate the time evolution of the
atom-wall Casimir-Polder potential, we solve the Heisenberg equations
describing the dynamics of the coupled system using an iterative technique.
Different nonequilibrium initial states are considered, such as bare and
partially dressed states. The partially dressed states considered are obtained
by a sudden change of a physical parameter of the atom or of its position
relative to the conducting plate. Experimental feasibility of detecting the
considered dynamical effects is also discussed.
