Dielectric properties of NaF-B₂O₃ glasses doped with certain transition metal ions

Abstract

Dielectric constant ε, loss tan δ, a.c. conductivity Σ and dielectric breakdown strength of NaF-B₂O₃ glasses doped with certain transition metal ions (viz. Cu²⁺, VO²⁺, Ti⁴⁺ and Mn⁴⁺) are studied in the frequency range 10²-10⁷ Hz and in the temperature range 30–250°C. The values of ε, tan δ, Σ_a.c. are found to be the highest for Cu²⁺ doped glasses and the lowest for Mn⁴⁺ doped glasses. Activation energy for a.c. conduction and the value of dielectric breakdown strength are found to be the lowest for Cu²⁺ doped glasses and the highest for Mn⁴⁺ doped glasses. With the help of infrared spectra, increase in the values of ε and tan δ of these glasses with frequency and temperature are identified with space charge polarization. An attempt has been made to explain a.c. conduction phenomenon on the basis of quantum mechanical tunneling model (QMT)/carrier barrier hopping model.