The pyroelectric properties of the lanthanum-doped ferroelectric plzt ceramics

Abstract

The pyroelectric properties of hot-pressed lanthanum doped PZT X/65/35 ferroelectric ceramics have been studied to evaluate their potential as pyroelectric infrared detector materials. The pyroelectric coefficients ranged from 3.5 × 10-8 to 17.0 × 10-8 (coul/cm2 °C) for lanthanum compositions from X = 0 to 8. The dielectric properties have also been measured over this compositional range. Thermal noise is shown to be dominant in detectors made from these materials for frequencies between 1 Hz and 1000 Hz. A detectivity at 100 Hz of 108 cm(Hz)4/W has been achieved in these materials.