Low-noise charge sensitive readout for pyroelectric sensor arrays using PVDF thin film

The paper presents a fully integrated low-noise readout circuit for the pur pose of front-end amplification in pyroelectric infrared focal plane arrays (IRFPA). A low-noise and low-power charge sensitive amplifier (CSA) has be en Fabricated and characterised in a standard CMOS process. A value of 11.4 nV/Hz at 100 Hz input referred noise voltage has been measured for a maxim um power dissipation of 210 mu W. Pyroelectric polyvinylidene fluoride (PVD F) thin films have been coated on 256-element focal plane arrays including the low-noise CSA as readout device. Experimental values of voltage respons ivities of 3510 V/W on average at 10 Hz modulation frequency have been achi eved for a sensing area of 105 x 10(5) mu m. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.