ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses electrical properties and reviews of magnetic and optical properties. It includes dielectric polarization, dielectric constant, dielectric loss, dielectric strength, capacitors, ferroelectricity, pyroelectricity, piezoelectricity, ferromagnetism, ferrimagnetism, paramagnetism, electromagnetic spectrum, absorption, transparency, index of refraction, color, phosphorescence, and lasers. The dielectric constant is also affected by the frequency of the applied electric field or the frequency of other electromagnetic fields impinging on the material. The polarization requires time to respond to an applied field. Electronic polarization occurs very rapidly and is present even at high frequencies. Dielectric loss results from several mechanisms: ion migration; ion vibration and deformation; and electronic polarization. The most important mechanism in most ceramics is ion migration. Ion migration is strongly affected by temperature and frequency. The losses due to ion migration increase at low frequencies and as the temperature increases.
