  The impact of lossy multi-layer structures on nonequilibrium atom-surface
interactions is discussed. Specifically, the focus lies on a fully
non-Markovian and nonequilibrium description of quantum friction, the
fluctuation-induced drag force acting on an atom moving at constant velocity
and height above the multi-layer structures. Compared to unstructured bulk
material, the drag force for multi-layer systems is considerably enhanced and
exhibits different regimes in its velocity and distance dependences. These
features are linked to the appearance of coupled interface polaritons within
the superlattice structures. Our results are not only useful for an
experimental investigation of quantum friction but also highlight a way to
tailor the interaction by simply modifying the structural composition of the
multi-layer systems.
