ABSTRACT
A dielectric material typically is a large-bandgap semiconductor (Eg ~ >4 eV) that exhibits high resistivity (ρ). The prefix dia means through in the Greek language. The word dielectric refers to a material that normally does not allow electricity (electrons, ions, and so on) to pass through it. There are special situations (for example, exposure to very high electric fields or changes in the composition or microstructure) that may lead to a dielectric material exhibiting semiconducting or metallic behavior. However, when the term dielectric material is used, it generally is understood that the material essentially is a nonconductor of electricity. An electrical insulator is a dielectric material that exhibits a high breakdown field.
