High performance pyroelectric linear array detectors

Abstract

Pyroelectric linear arrays have been constructed with a view to optimizing the performance for elements of approximate size 4×10 −4 cm 2. The arrays are completely reticulated and mounted between 0.5 μm thick polyimide membranes. As a result of the choice of PLMZT pyroelectric and the reduction of temperature noise, a high D ∗ (500K. 10. 1) of 1.6 × 10 8 cm Hz 1 2 /W) has been achieved so far, with the prospect that higher values (up to 1.7 × 10 9 cm Hz 1 2 /W) can be attained. Very low levels of microphonic noise of less than 10μV g are reported with a structure which is sufficiently rugged to withstand high accelerations.