An equivalent-circuit radiation sensor model

Abstract

The utility of pyroelectric detectors at infrared and visible light frequencies is common knowledge. However, it is not well known that pulsed or otherwise amplitude modulated microwave radiation also can be detected with pyroelectric materials. Devices which can sense the presence of such modulated fields are practical for frequencies above approximately 0.5 GHz. An equivalent-circuit model for prediction of the fundamental performance characteristics of a pyroelectric detector, applicable to microwave (above 0.5 GHz) frequencies, is discussed here.<>