Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

The physics of pyroelectric infrared devices

  • Published:
Applied Physics B Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The absorption of radiation with pyroelectric detectors and the thermal properties of these devices are discussed using a simple physical picture — the physics of waves. Considered are the reflection, transmission and interference of electromagnetic and of thermal waves within the pyroelectric sensor arrangement. In particular, thin metal films, quarter wavelength structures, and anti-reflection coatings on metal films as absorber structures are discussed. The effect of the substrate on the pyroelectric response is treated and new figures of merit are introduced for the comparison of sensor materials which are mounted on a heat sink.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. S.B. Lang, D.K. DasGupta: J. Appl. Phys. 59, 215 (1986)

    Google Scholar 

  2. R.W. Whatmore: Rep. Prog. Phys. 49, 1335 (1986)

    Google Scholar 

  3. P. Grosse, R. Wynands: Appl. Phys. B 48, 59 (1989)

    Google Scholar 

  4. A.D. Parsons, D.J. Pedder: J. Vac. Sci. Technol. A 6, 1686 (1988)

    Google Scholar 

  5. S. Yoshida: Thin Solid Films 56, 321 (1979)

    Google Scholar 

  6. M. Born, E. Wolf: Principles of Optics (Pergamon, New York 1959) p. 322

    Google Scholar 

  7. W.R. Blevin, J. Geist: Appl. Opt. 13, 1171 (1974)

    Google Scholar 

  8. D.B. Betts, F.J.J. Clarke, L.J. Cox, J.A. Larkin: J. Phys. E: Sci. Instrum. 18, 689 (1985)

    Google Scholar 

  9. M.J. Golay: Rev. Sci. Instrum. 18, 357 (1947)

    Google Scholar 

  10. W. Woltersdorff: Z. Phys. 91, 230 (1934)

    Google Scholar 

  11. C. Hilsum: J. Opt. Soc. Am. 44, 188 (1954)

    Google Scholar 

  12. A. Silberg: J. Opt. Soc. Am. 47, 575 (1957)

    Google Scholar 

  13. H. Stuhec, W. Zscheyge: Exp. Tech. Phys. 32, 325 (1984)

    Google Scholar 

  14. A. Hadni, X. Gerbaux: Infrared Phys. 30, 465 (1990)

    Google Scholar 

  15. S.W. McKnight, K.P. Stewart, H.D. Drew, K. Moorjani: Infrared Phys. 27, 327 (1987)

    Google Scholar 

  16. A.S. Barker, Jr., R. Loudon: Phys. Rev. 158, 433 (1967)

    Google Scholar 

  17. A.A. Turnbull: Proc. SPIE Vol. 588, 38 (1985)

    Google Scholar 

  18. P. Würfel: Private communication of unpublished results from the Diplomarbeit of R. Kilian, Karlsruhe (1982)

  19. S. Bauer, B. Ploss: Ferroelectrics Lett. 9, 155 (1989)

    Google Scholar 

  20. B. Ploss, S. Bauer: Sensors & Actuators A 25–27, 407 (1991)

    Google Scholar 

  21. S. Bauer, B. Ploss: Sensors & Actuators A 25–27, 417 (1991)

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institut für angewandte Physik der Universität (TH) Karlsruhe, Kaiserstrasse 12, W-7500, Karlsruhe, Fed. Rep. Germany

    S. Bauer, S. Bauer-Gogonea & B. Ploss

Authors
  1. S. Bauer
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. S. Bauer-Gogonea
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. B. Ploss
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Bauer, S., Bauer-Gogonea, S. & Ploss, B. The physics of pyroelectric infrared devices. Appl. Phys. B 54, 544–551 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00325524

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00325524

PACS

Search

Navigation