Dielectric Properties of Ice I

Abstract

The dielectric properties of ice have been measured from 0° to − 80°C using samples prepared from redistilled water which were further purified by zone refining. The resulting conductivities were low enough that dielectric and electrode space‐charge effects could be resolved in three terminal ac measurements to frequencies extended to 0.1 Hz. The relaxation times of the Debye behavior obey an Arrhenius rate equation only above − 50°C, smaller values being found at lower temperatures, the temperature dependence of static dielectric constant gives a Curie temperature of 38°K, and the dc conductance is 4 × 10−11 mho cm−1 at − 10°C for the best sample with an apparent activation energy which is much larger than for less pure ice but somewhat uncertain. The significance of these data for estimates of defect concentrations and other parameters is discussed.