Dielectric Properties of Ice and Solid D2O

Abstract

Complex dielectric constants have been measured for ice from the melting point to −65°C, and for solid D₂O to −35°C, by a combination of bridge and transient methods. For both, the dispersion is described by the simple Debye formula, and the relaxation times τ by the simple rate expression τ = A exp(B/RT). For ice, A = 5.3×10⁻¹⁶ sec, B = 13.2 kcal/mole; and for solid D₂O, A = 7.7×10⁻¹⁶ sec, B = 13.4 kcal/mole. The equilibrium dielectric constant for ice is 91.5 at 0°C and increases at lower temperatures; the values for solid D₂O are only slightly smaller. Measures taken to minimize errors from voids in the sample and direct current conductance are discussed.