Static dielectric response and screening in solid state physics: Why dimensionality matters in dielectrics

Screening in dielectrics is a measure of the strength of Coulomb interactions. Because of the reduced dimensionality, screening is hampered in 2D or quasi-1D materials, with important consequences in nanometer-scale systems that are currently important to the condensed matter community. This paper explains why reduced dimensionality reduces the screening. The topic is appropriate for undergraduate electromagnetism classes or advanced condensed matter courses.