Pyroelectric ceramics for thermal imaging

Pyroelectric ceramics based on modified lead zirconate-titanate have been developed for use in thermal imaging and single element detectors. Using a process involving partial chemical co-precipitation and hot-pressing, homogeneous, pore-free ceramics with a grain size less than 1 μm can be produced. Their robustness, inertness and controlled resistivity make them attractive alternatives to T.G.S.In the conduction pedestal vidicon tube responsivities of 6 μA W-1 and minimum resolvable temperatures of 1.2°K at 1 line pair mm-1 are currently obtained with blacked 20 μm thick targets. Reliable single element detectors have typical responsivities of 120 V W-1 and noise equivalent powers of 1.5 × 10-9 W Hz-1/2 at 10 Hz.