Infrared Sensor – IR Sensor
An infrared sensor (IR sensor) is a radiation-sensitive optoelectronic component with a spectral sensitivity in the infrared wavelength range 780 nm … 50 µm. IR sensors are now widely used in motion detectors, which are used in building services to switch on lamps or in alarm systems to detect unwelcome guests. In a defined angle range, the sensor elements detect the heat radiation (infrared radiation) that changes over time and space due to the movement of people. Such infrared sensors only have to meet relatively low requirements and are low-cost mass-produced items. InfraTec does not supply such products, InfraTec develops, produces and sells pyroelectric detectors.
Types of Infrared Sensors and their Features
The pyroelectric IR sensor uses a wavelength range from 2 to 14 µm. InfraTec uses special absorption layers so that the infrared sensors can even work as large-area, long-term stable receivers for UV radiation (e.g. 193 nm) but also for THz radiation in the range of 100 µm … 1 mm.
Further infrared sensors are Golay cells, bolometers and thermopiles, which also belong to the thermal IR sensors. The change in pressure of a gas volume is evaluated in a Golay cell and the change in temperature of a solid is evaluated in a bolometer. Thermopiles basically represent a series connection of thermocouples with an absorption layer and use the Seebeck effect. Photodiodes use the inner photo effect. At the same time, radiation quanta generate charge carrier pairs within a semiconductor. In the case of photoresistors, the radiation changes the electrical resistance.
Application of Infrared Sensors
Infrared sensors from InfraTec are used in gas warning devices, gas analysers, medical gas measurement technology, flame detectors and in contactless precision temperature measurement. These devices use the intensity measurement of infrared radiation in defined spectral ranges.
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It is not unusual for tasks to be associated with special requirements. Discuss your specific application needs with our experienced engineers, receive further technical information or learn more about our additional services.
Use in Low and High Temperature Ranges
Depending on the basic physical principle, an IR sensor can work in a wide temperature range without cooling (so-called thermal infrared sensor) or must be cooled or at least thermally stabilized (semiconductor resistor or semiconductor diode) to achieve a good signal-to-noise ratio (detectivity).
A pyroelectric infrared sensor from InfraTec can basically work in the temperature range from - 55 to + 200 ° C. The pyroelectric sensor element made of lithium tantalate (LiTaO3) has a Curie temperature of over 600 ° C, which would also enable significantly higher operating temperatures. The temperature-limiting elements of a pyroelectric infrared sensor are the infrared window or infrared filter as well as integrated, extremely low-noise and low-leakage preamplifier technology.
Detector Search
InfraTec offers different product groups including approximately 50 standard pyroelectric detectors. Detectors with reduced microphone technology and integrated operational amplifier as well as digital detectors are part of our product range.
Choose your suitable infrared detectors with the help of our detailed detector search.
