Close proximity detection of events having thermal characteristics using an array of pyro-electric detectors

摘要

In order to monitor an event having a thermal signature using a substantially planar pyroelectric detector array comprising a plurality of individual detector elements, the event is caused to take place in such close proximity to the array that thermal energy is transferred to one or more of the detector elements by conduction and/or convection, and an electrical output from the elements of the detector array is used to determine information about the event. Suitable events may be chemical or biochemical reactions, or other events which effect a change in heat flow from, or the temperature of, an object or substance.