Dielectric properties and electrical conduction in yttrium iron garnet (YIG)

The dielectric properties (dielectric constant and loss) of a single crystal of yttrium iron garnet (Y3Fe5O12) were measured in the temperature range 77–725 K and in the frequency range 100 Hz-1 MHz. AC conductivity was derived from dielectric constant and loss. DC conductivity was measured in the temperature range 30–725 K. Thermoelectric power (TEP) was measured from 77–800 K. On the basis of the results, conduction in this garnet is interpreted as due to small polarons. The nature of conduction at different temperature ranges is discussed in the light of existing reports on defect formation.