Pyroelectric Detectors, Insight to Energy

Pyroelectric detectors are critical in advancing various technologies by providing quantitative insights into the energy within a system. This session explores the technology, history, and diverse applications of pyroelectric detectors, focusing on their significance in the laser industry. Pyroelectric detectors exploit the pyroelectric effect, where a material generates an electric charge in response to a change in temperature. This characteristic makes them highly sensitive to variations in infrared (IR) radiation and thermal energy. They are instrumental in enhancing the efficiency of solar cells, harvesting energy from low-temperature sources, and sensing IR light. We’ll discuss the use of pyroelectric detectors in a variety of applications in the laser industry:

• Pyroelectric detectors are invaluable for measuring the energy output of pulsed lasers. Their sensitivity to transient thermal changes allows for precise energy quantification, which is crucial for applications requiring accurate energy measurements.
• In laser applications, understanding the temporal profile of laser pulses is essential. Pyroelectric detectors can capture the rapid changes in thermal energy associated with laser pulses, providing detailed information about pulse duration and shape.
• Pyroelectric technology enables the development of advanced imaging systems that profile IR and UV laser beams. These systems are used for aligning and characterizing laser systems, ensuring optimal performance and application efficiency.

About the presenter
Kevin D. Kirkham is senior principal sales engineer for MKS Ophir. He has over 30 years experience in laser diagnostics and quality assessment. Prior to MKS, he was Product Manager at Coherent Inc. and Regional Sales Manager at Molectron Detector. He can be reached at kevin.kirkham@mksinst.com