Comment on 'A probabilistic mechanism hidden behind the universal power law for dielectric relaxation: general relaxation equation' (and reply)

Abstract

For original article see ibid., vol.3, p.9151 (1991). A recent article addresses the problem of 'universal' dielectric relaxation in dipole glasses. The term 'universal dielectric relaxation', applied historically to conducting glasses as well, is used here for power-law behaviour of the conductivity above and below the 'loss peak' in the imaginary part of the dielectric constant. But no general consensus exists that the conductivity may be represented universally in this form. No physical interpretation for the 'loss peak' frequency is given; Debye-like relaxation below this frequency arises from a coincidence in parameters. In the criticism of this article certain parallels with conducting glasses are noted, where corresponding physical conditions can be derived; the level of 'universality' in the physical origins and experimental manifestations of dielectric relaxation processes remains uncertain, however. Weron replies to the Comment.