Ambient temperature solid state pyroelectric IR imaging arrays

The structure, design, and performance limitations of infrared imaging focal plane systems composed of an array of pyroelectric detectors mounted to a solid state multiplexer are discussed. Emphasis is placed on descriptions of systems of this type, which are currently under development, along with a simplified but accurate theory of operation. The fundamental performance limits of these solid state arrays are now well enough understood to predict that a wide variety of imaging systems with noise equivalent temperature differences of less than 0.2 C are feasible. 5 references