Theory of the Dielectric Constant at High Field Strengths

Abstract

A discussion of the phenomenon of dielectric saturation is presented, and Debye's theory for an assembly of independent molecules is extended to include the field dependence of the molecular polarizability. Also, a rigorous theory of the field-dependent dielectric constant of a dense medium is deduced. It is found that a relationship valid at all densities exists between this dielectric constant and the molecular Kerr constant, and the experimental data on liquid carbon disulfide are in good agreement with the theory. The saturation effect in dilute solutions of anisotropically polarizable substances with large dipole moments is also discussed, and the experimental results for dissolved nitrobenzene agree well with the theory.