Layered structures, when supporting the Maxwell-Wagner polarization mechanism, exhibit very large effective electric permittivity and thus can be used for miniaturizing purposes. However, the large interfacial dimensions evolved, limit the Maxwell-Wagner polarization at relatively low frequencies. Any element or mechanism that causes a spatial variation of charge density, contributes to the dielectric susceptibility of a medium. Thus, intentionally planted polarization states can be used for further exploiting the Maxwell-Wagner polarization mechanism. Crown Copyright (c) 2009 Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.