Our pyroelectric detectors are a class of room temperature thermal detectors that produce a current output that is directly proportional to the rate of change of temperature when exposed to a source of radiation. They are best described by an AC current source, capacitor and resistor. Their current output is governed by the equation I = p(T)·A·dT/dt, where I is current, p(T) is the pyro coefficient, A is the area as defined by the front electrode, and dT/dt is the rate of temperature change of the pyro crystal. The advantages of a pyroelectric detector over other IR detectors are: room temperature operation, broad spectral response, high sensitivity (D*) and fast response (sub-nsec into 50 Ω). 

Our passive discrete pyroelectric detectors range from 1 to 9 mm in diameter and are provided in two configurations: high sensitivity or high average power. They present a pyroelectric detector element covered with our metallic coating (MT) and are packaged in a miniature TO-5 or TO-8 can. The diagram shown left identifies the pin-out for both types of detectors. Our organic black coating (BL), increases the optical absorption and helps flatten the spectral response. We also offer a number of permanent IR Windows that can be added to the TO can. These discrete pyro detectors are ideal for pulsed laser applications.