Pyroelectric detection with smectic liquid crystals

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Abstract
The potential of ferroelectric liquid crystals for application as pyroelectric infrared detectors is examined. The liquid crystals studied belong to a family of biphenyl and phenylbenzoate esters. It is found that even within this first liquid-crystal family examined, the materials figure of merit compares well with ferroelectric solid materials commonly used for infrared detection and imaging. Because they permit very simple and flexible device design, liquid crystals are attractive candidates for these applications. However, for low-frequency applications, attention must be paid to the reduction of thermal loading by the cell walls.