Author(s)

K. Domke & A. Odon

Abstract

This paper discusses the construction and operating rules of a pyroelectric detector. An analysis of heat phenomena occurring in the detector and the influence on the signals generated by the detector was carried out. A strict dependence of the electric characteristics of the detector upon its heat properties determined by the geometrical structure and heat properties of the materials that make up the detector was emphasised, while considering the detectors used for the conversion of impulse signals. Also emphasised was the necessity to take into account the differences occurring in the process of heating up and cooling down of the pyroelectric film of the detector. Keywords: pyroelectric detector, thermal model, heat exchange in detector. 1 Introduction Pyroelectric detectors play an important role in such applications as infrared radiation detection, measurements of emission parameters of radiation sources, remote measurements of temperature as well as heat and visual measurements. Information concerning the measurable radiation values is included in the parameters of the pyroelectric detector current or voltage response to heat agitation by the energy provided by the radiation absorbed by the detector. Multiple applications of this detector stimulate interest of a number of research teams in both new pyroelectric detectors manufacturing and improved analytic description, especially the one related to the pyroelectric detector modelling. A pyroelectric detector is a heat converter that enables transformation of the absorbed radiation into an increase of temperature of the pyroelectric material and subsequently into a measurable electric signal. During the process of

Keywords

pyroelectric detector, thermal model, heat exchange in detector.