DETECTION OF RADIANT ENERGY BY THE PYROELECTRIC EFFECT,
Abstract
The theory of the pyroelectric effect is presented, and it is shown that the pyroelectric detector element can be treated as a capacitor with a power-proportional current source. An electrical equivalent circuit is developed which, in combination with a thermal equivalent circuit, completely describes the response of a detector to any power input. The modes of operation of the detector are discussed and the geometric and material properties affecting the conversion efficiency are delineated. The techniques used in fabrication and testing the detectors are described. For several poled ceramics the current responsivities were determined with a carbon dioxide laser. In addition, the detectors were used with other lasers, and operational results with power levels from 5 mW to 30 MW are presented. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1969
- Accession Number
- AD0688868
Entities
People
- Konrad Frank
- Ona R. Lyman
Organizations
- Ballistic Research Laboratory