Abstract:

We introduce a method for calculating dipole correlations in systems containing hopping processes exhibiting weak ergodicity breaking. Modeled after the original Kirkwood-Frohlich theory, the new method provides a bridge extending Frohlich's insights from the realm of rigid dipoles into weakly non-ergodic fluctuating virtual dipolar entities. Relevant for the investigation of any system containing transport processes, it provides a testable parameter derived primarily from the static dielectric parameters. Three examples of systems including porous silicon, porous glass, and ferroelectric crystals are brought to demonstrate the model's versatility, including direct confirmation of Frohlich's original idea. (C) 2013 AIP Publishing LLC.