Study Of Dielectric Constant

Our Dielectric Constant Setup is a laboratory experiment to demonstrate to the students the concept of Dielectric Constant, its measurement, measurement of Curie temperature.

Dielectric or electrical insulating materials are understood as materials in which electrostic field can persist for long times. Layers of such substances are commonly inserted into capacitors to improve their performance, and the term dielectric refers specifically to this application.
An electric field polarizes the molecules of dielectric, producing concentrations of charge on its surface that create an electric field opposed (antiparallel) to that of capacitor. This reduces the electric potential. Considered in reverse, this means that, with a dielectric, a given electric potential causes the capacitor to accumulate a larger charge.

All ferroelectric materials have a transition point called the Curie point (Tc). At T>Tc, the crystal does not exhibit ferroelectricity, while for T
Description of the Experimental Set-up

1.Probes Arrangement, DEA-01
It has two individually spring loaded probes. The probes arrangement is mounted in a suitable stand, which also holds the sample plate. To ensure the correct measurement of sample temperature, the RTD is embedded in the sample plate
just below the sample. This stand also serves as the lid of temperature controlled oven. Proper leads are provided for connection to Capacitance Meter and Temperature Controller.

2.DEC-Sample
Barium Titanate (BaTiO3)

3.Oven, DEO-01
This is a high quality temperature controlled oven. The oven has been designed for fast heating and cooling rates, which enhances the effectiveness of the controller.

4.Main Unit
The Set-up consists of two units housed in the same cabinet.

(i) Oven Controller
Platinum RTD (A class) has been used for sensing the temperature. A Wheatstone bridge and an instrumentation amplifier are used for signal conditioning. Feedback circuit ensures offset and linearity trimming and a fast accurate control of the oven temperature.

(ii) Digital Capacitance Meter
This is a compact direct reading Instrument for the measurement of capacitance of the sample.

The experiment is complete in all respect