DIELECTRIC-RELAXATION STUDY OF AGSBTE2 IN SOLID AND LIQUID-PHASES

Measurements of the dielectric properties of AgSbTe2 in the solid and liquid phases were carried out in a wide range of frequencies (10 to 1 0(6) Hz) at different temperatures (315 to 754 degrees C). The materia l displays dielectric dispersion and a loss peak was observed. Cole-Co le diagrams have been used to determine the distribution parameter (al pha) and the molecular relaxation time (tau), and Eyrings relaxation r ate equations are used to determine the free energy of activation. The process of dielectric relaxation (loss) and ac conduction was attribu ted to the correlated barrier hopping model suggested by Elliott for a morphous solids where two carriers simultaneously hop over a barrier b etween charge defect D+ and D- states.