Polarization reversal and dielectric slowing down in the lock-in phase of Rb₂ZnCnl₄

Abstract

Data are presented on polarization reversal and on permittivity measured during switching in the lock in phase of purified Rb₂ZnCl₄ crystals. Hysteresis loops have the characteristic “swan neck” shape close below T_c but change to conventional form at lower temperatures. The coercive field is not a true threshold field; for slow switching it is as low as tens of V/cm. The value of permittivity and its relaxation frequency are strongly influenced by the domain configuration during polarization reversal. The relaxation frequency is of the order of 10² to 10³ Hz, reaches a minimum around E_c and decreases with decreasing temperature.