The Measurement of Thermally Stimulated Depolarization and Polarization Currents

Abstract

The measurement of thermally stimulated depolarization currents, a technique usually known by its initials (TSDC), has contributed substantially to the knowledge and understanding of charge storage and charge decay processes in several types of electret materials, i.e., materials that can have electrical polarization arising from kinetically trapped charges. The polarization of these materials may increase the magnitude of the applied electric field, until the point of dielectric breakdown. A similar, and sometimes complementary, technique consists in the measurement of thermally stimulated polarization currents (TSPC). This contribution discusses experimental and theoretical considerations regarding both techniques. Additionally, it also includes a case study regarding LiNbO3 glass-ceramics, synthesized by the melt-quenching process.