Image sensor specialist Andanta has released pyroelectric linear arrays as hybrid sensors, with up to 512 elements and integrated CMOS multiplexer for the mid- and far infrared spectral range.
The detector elements are made of lithium tantalate (LiTaO3) with mechanical dimensions of 40 or 90µm width and 100 to 1,000µm height. The CMOS-multiplexer includes low noise preamplifier for each pixel, analogue switch, and output amplifier. The preamplifier transforms the generated carriers of each pixel into a signal voltage.
The standard sensor has a responsiveness of up to 0.62MV/W and a noise equivalent power of 1.1nW. For users working with small signal intensities and high modulation frequencies, the responsivity can be further increased by a factor of 10 at low thermal crosstalk and with improved signal-to-noise ratio.
The pyroelectric chip and the read out integrated circuit are integrated into a hermetic metal package with IR-filter on top, determining the spectral response characteristics. Various filter materials can be selected for spectrally adapting the sensor to the application.
As with all pyroelectric sensors, the measured IR radiation has to be modulated (at a maximum of 512Hz in this case). The devices feature high long-term stability, very low noise, low microphony, and easy customisation.
Typical application areas for the pyroelectric linear arrays include spectroscopy, non-contact temperature measurements and laser beam analysis, each in the mid- and far infrared.
