Low temperature space charge polarization in alkali halide crystals

Evidence is presented to indicate the presence of linear space charge polarization in single crystals of KCl and NaCl in the temperature range between liquid nitrogen temperature and 350 K. Polarization phenomena, both dipolar and space charge, were studied by means of TSPC, ITC and by the testing of Ohm's law and the Superposition principle. The results are interpreted in terms of the formation of a linear space charge, possibly caused by the trapping of ionic charge carriers within the bulk of the material.