Modulation transfer function of pyroelectric linear arrays

Abstract Spatial resolution, described by the modulation transfer function (MTF), is very important for multidimensional infrared sensors. The sensor-MTF of a pyroelectric linear array is determined by the geometric, thermal and capacitive MTF. These are calculated in detail by the use of a pyroelectric linear array developed at Dresden University of Technology, Institute for Solid-state Electronics. The linear array has 128 pixels with a centre-to-centre spacing of 100 μm. Deuterated and l -alanine doped triglycine sulfate (DTGS:L-A) or lithium niobate (LiNbO 3 ) are used as pyroelectric materials. Finally, the theoretical results are substantiated by measurements.