Pyroelectrics In A Harsh Environment

Abstract

Large arrays of pyroelectric detectors, both linear and two dimensional, have the potential to satisfy many of the requirements of those IR detection and imaging tasks where low cost and minimal logistics are of paramount importance.They have however not been used in all of these applications because of apprehensions and misunderstandings concerning in particular microphony and temperature effects. This paper examines methods of pyroelectric array construction which have been developed to eliminate or minimise these effects and to offer to potential users well-characterised devices which are straight forward to operate. It concludes by presenting imagery obtained under harsh conditions.