  We discuss a non-perturbative, technically straightforward, easy-to-use, and
computationally affordable method, based on polarization theory, for the
calculation of the electronic dielectric constant of insulating solids at the
first principles level. We apply the method to GaAs, AlAs, InN, SiC, ZnO, GaN,
AlN, BeO, LiF, PbTiO$_3$, and CaTiO$_3$. The predicted $\einf$'s agree well
with those given by Density Functional Perturbation Theory (the reference
theoretical treatment), and they are generally within less than 10 % of
experiment.

Materials Science