A new interpretation of the `universal´ dielectric response

The author presents a general interpretation of the `universal´ law of dielectric response in terms of an energy criterion in which the ratio of energy lost per cycle to energy stores at the peak of the alternating field is independent of frequency. Three types of `universal´ behavior prevailing in different areas of dielectric response are indicated which cover the behavior of both `conventional´ dielectric systems with dipolar and hopping charge polarization and certain semiconductor systems. Highly lossy and dispersive LFD (low-frequency dispersion) phenomena are interpreted on the same basis of constant loss per reversal of polarization in terms of electrochemical interactions