Pyroelectric response to infrared radiation signals at the F R(LT)-F R(HT) transition in lead titanate-zirconate

Pyroelectric voltage transients obtained from modified Pb(Ti0.07Zr0.93)O3 ceramics in response to step ir signals were studied between 20 and 100 °C, in which range the FR(LT)-FR(HT) transition occurs. The temperature dependences of peak voltage and total released charge exhibit a pronounced peak at about 85 °C with a small temperature hysteresis indicating that this transition is not purely of second order. The pyroelectric coefficient between room temperature and the transition temperature increases by about a factor 10. The dynamical behavior and the dielectric properties are discussed and their potential for the development of ir devices operating at or near this phase transition is outlined.