Introduction trends in dielectric research during 1961

The best indication of the increased appeal and importance of dielectrics and insulation systems is the phenomenal growth in the volume of literature in the field during 1961, especially in the areas of ferroelectrics and conduction processes. Much of the work might be classified as “cookbook” type chemistry, however, and it appears that a more generalized definition of the problems and the fundamental requirements of materials would provide a better sense of direction in the numerous investigations. Interest in high temperature applications and the behavior of materials under the conditions of outer space continued to be high and is perhaps the only unifying theme in the work reported. The literature appeared to show a good balance between entirely new materials synthesized for these purposes and the modification or engineering of relatively more well known materials to fit the present day and future needs. There was perhaps somewhat less emphasis on the theoretical or fundamental approach to dielectrics which resulted in a greater concern with the application of existing theories and methods to explain observed phenomena. One very evident trend is the increasing contribution of foreign scientists both to fundamental research and to application work in the areas of dielectrics and insulation. A number of conferences were held abroad this year and fortunately the reports of these and other work is increasingly available in this country. A marked increase in work in ceramics and conduction processes was evident in Russia and the work appears to offer significant contribution. This only serves to make the job of “keeping up” more difficult than ever. Several worthwhile review articles again appeared with the express purpose of keeping work in the proper perspective and pointing the way to basic understanding of the behavior of materials and the interrelation of their chemical, physical and electrical properties.