Engineering the Maxwell–Wagner polarization effect

Layered structures, when supporting the Maxwell–Wagner polarization mechanism, exhibit very large effective electric permittivity and thus can be used for miniaturizing purposes. However, the large interfacial dimensions evolved, limit the Maxwell–Wagner polarization at relatively low frequencies. Any element or mechanism that causes a spatial variation of charge density, contributes to the dielectric susceptibility of a medium. Thus, intentionally planted polarization states can be used for further exploiting the Maxwell–Wagner polarization mechanism.