Abstract
The results of a systematic investigation of dielectric dispersion and absorption in the microwave region are discussed. Simple relations between the complex dielectric constant of an absorptive medium and the complex propagation constant of an electromagnetic wave within the medium are discussed in connection with a new interferometric method for measuring wavelength and absorption index directly within the medium. Results of measurements made at 10 cm wavelength by this method on twenty‐five liquid organic halides are reported. The data of the present and previous measurements on these compounds are discussed in terms of distributions of relaxation times and, on the basis of absolute rate theory, the processes of dipole orientation and viscous flow in these liquids are compared.

This publication has 23 references indexed in Scilit: