Pyroelectric Materials for Uncooled Infrared Detectors: Processing, Properties, and Applications

摘要

Outside the visible spectrum, at its red end, exists the infrared (IR) region with wavelengths longer than visible light. The IR region of electromagnetic radiation spans photon wavelengths from 0.7 to 1,000 im. The origins of IR photons are gases, liquids, and solids that make up the universe. These IR sources can both absorb and emit IR radiation. The dependence of radiation absorption and emission spectra on wavelength identifies and provides detailed information about the materials in our universe. Infrared detectors bring this valuable information within the purview of human observation through their use in a wide variety of optical characterization instruments, planetary exploration, space and astrophysics, atmosphere radiation measurements, and numerous commercial military applications such as occupancy and motion detection in security systems, military surveillance, manufacturing processes, gas sensing, industrial and medical thermal imaging, etc.