Multiplicity of dielectric relaxation times of dispersed ice microcrystals

Summary The multiplicity of relaxation times of the dielectric relaxation of water molecules in dispersed ice microcrystals has been studied by means of the thermally stimulated depolarization (TSD) current method. Using several experimental techniques offered by the TSD method we have shown that the relaxation mechanism is characterized by a continuous distribution of relaxation times with both the activation energy.W and the pre-exponential factorτ ₀ in the Arrhenius equation being distributed parameters. A linear relationship has been found to exist betweenW and lnτ ₀. The dielectric behaviour of ice emulsions has been found to resemble strongly in some aspects that of HF-doped ice and ice samples with high concentrations of crystal imperfections. The multiplicity of relaxation times has been explained by the interaction of intrinsic ionic defects with water molecules. Work supported in part by the Greek Ministry of Research and Technology.