X-ray analysis of electrets

It is proposed to study the mechanism of the formation and decay of electrets in some non-polar inorganic polycrystalline and amorphous dielectrics. The formation of electrets in these materials under different conditions of sample temperatures polarizing fields and cooling rates will be experimentally pursued. The decay of these electrets both in the open circuit and closed circuit conditions are to be observed (with improved methods whenever possible). An extension of the Swann-Gubkin theory to a more elaborate microscopic theory in agreement with the experimental observations will be sought.