Boström, MathiasPersson, ClasParsons, DrewEllingsen, Simen A.Sernelius, B2015-12-130295-5075http://hdl.handle.net/1885/71593We present the theory for a retarded resonance interaction between two identical atoms near a dielectric surface. In free space the resonance interaction between isotropically excited atom pairs is attractive at all atom-atom separations. We illustrate numerically how this interaction between oxygen, sulphur, hydrogen, or nitrogen atom pairs may turn repulsive near water droplets. The results provide evidence of a mechanism causing excited state atom pair breakage to occur in the atmosphere near water droplets.Atmospheric water droplets can catalyse atom pair break-up via surface-induced resonance repulsion201310.1209/0295-5075/101/430022015-12-11