Electrically calibrated pyroelectric optical-radiation detector.

An electrically calibrated optical detector has been developed using a pyroelectric response of the plastic, polyvinylfluoride. An in-depth look at the modulation frequency response was performed to substantiate the equivalence of the optical and electrical inputs, indicate the optimum structure and allow for a clearer understanding of the device limitations. The experimental results of the dynamic range, linearity, uniformity, and detectivity confirm the device's utility.