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Piezoelectrics, Pyroelectrics, & Ferroelectrics

thermal camera system
Thermal image from actual Bridge Semiconductor uncooled thermal camera system with inset of Bridge Semiconductor camera. Photo Credit: Bridge Semiconductor
Pixel array on pyroelectric device
Portion of a pixel array of a prototype pyroelectric device. Photo Credit: Bridge Semiconductor

Thermal Imaging - Pyroelectric System

A special formulization of PZT is pyrolectric which means it will generate an electrical signal as it changes temperature. Integrated PZT pyroelectric devices have been built at Penn State.

  • Deposit, pattern, and etch doped Pb(Zr0.30Ti0.70)O3 (PZT) pyroelectric films for uncooled thermal imaging systems
  • Bridge Semiconductor has demonstrated video frame-rate imaging using integrated CMOS read-out integrated circuit (ROIC) electronics and the uncooled pyroelectric device fabricated at Penn State.