Variation of the Dielectric Constant of Rochelle Salt Crystals with Frequency and Applied Field Strength

Abstract

The dielectric constant of Rochelle salt crystals perpendicular to the $a$ axis at 0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C was measured over the frequency range of 30 to 30\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{6}$ cycles/sec. Following a fairly uniform decline from 62,000 at 30 cycles to 220 at ${10}^{7}$ cycles, the dielectric constant drops abruptly to negative values (inductive reactance) at 14\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{7}$ cycles. This frequency is independent of the size and mounting of the crystal and thus appears to be critical for this crystalline material.