Abstract A method to increase the figure of merit [γ/(ϵ′ϵ 0 C E )] is proposed for calcium-modified lead titanate ceramic (24% Ca). By subjecting the ceramic to electric poling reversal up to ten times, a controlled microcracking state is caused, with a considerable decrease of the dielectric permittivity, ϵ′, and a moderated decrease of the pyroelectric coefficient, γ. These changes amount to an actual uncoupling of ϵ′ and γ. Therefore, an increase of the voltage response V rms close to 50% should be obtained. By measuring with a single-element detector prepared with a sample thus treated, the responsivity and the detectivity are proved to be in agreement with the prediction.