Dielectric constant of diamond

Abstract

The dielectric constant of diamond has been the subject of investigation by a number of workers, among whom particular mention may be made of Robertson, Fox and Martin, Whitehead and Hackett and Groves and Martin. The exact value of this constant and whether there is any difference between the values exhibited by the two types, namely, ultra-violet opaque and ultra-violet transparent, appear to be the two main issues involved. The most accurate determination of Whitehead and Hackett gave 5.66 at 800 c./sec. and 27.8° C, whereas Martin and Groves obtained 5.26 by one method and 5.35 by another. Probable reasons for the lower values obtained by Martin and Groves were suggested by them. A significant statement of Robertson and co-workers is that they found no measurable differences for the two types of diamonds.