| abstract |
Sensitive pyroelectric detectors are readily fabricated from thin films of organic polymer materials having net dipolar moments. Such materials, exemplified by polyvinylidene fluoride, are prepared for use by mechanical working so as to produce crystallographic alignment and by electrical poling so as to produce dipolar orientation. Depending upon a variety of factors such as molecular weight, operating temperature, etc., remanent polarization may be sufficient to permit discontinuance of poling during use. |