APPLICATION OF P(VDF TRFE) THIN-FILMS IN PYROELECTRIC DETECTORS

Copolymer thin films can be cast by coating a thickness of 0.8 μm to 2.5 μm on solid silicon substrates as well as on unrestrained 800 nm thin SiO2/Si3N4 supporting membranes. By poling the P(VDF/TrFE) at about 140 V/μm, a high spontaneous polarization can be obtained without any stretching process. Measurements of dielectric constant, dielectric losses and pyroelectric coefficient confirm the ideal nature of these materials for pyroelectric detectors. Built-up single element detectors distinguish themselves by a high specific detectivity D of 2 108 cmHz/W at a frequency of 10 Hz. © 1991, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. All rights reserved.