PVDF pyroelectric array of sensors

Pyroelectric array of sensors can be fabricated with different materials and technologies according to their applications. For example, high resolution matrix arrays for uncooled IR video cameras are fabricated with pyroelectric materials that can be deposited on a silicon substrate with thin film deposition techniques in order to be integrated with the read-out electronics. The state of the art of pyroelectric array of sensors will be presented and some comparisons among different sensor types will be discussed in terms of performances, devices cost and applications. The discussion will also consider the european perspective for industrial developments of this type of sensors. Among there different applications of this type of detectors, the authors have worked on the development of array of sensors based on a PVDF ferroelectric polymer. This pyroelectric material has suitable characteristics for developing high power IR laser diagnostic system due to its robustness, low cost and flexibility to design custom electrodes geometry. This research and development project is currently supported by the Italian CNR Madess Project. The paper discusses the main sensors requirements relative to this application and comments the results obtained. In particular the following points will be discussed: - advantages and disadvantages of the employed material (PVDF), - fabrication technologies for electrodes design (thick film, laser ablation, evaporation), - analog and digital electronic requirements, - examples of fabricated array prototypes and relative characteristics (spatial resolution, current and voltage responsivity, damage threshold).