Electronic sensors impact the day-to-day lives of people. Whether they are utilized in fire and smoke detectors, garage doors, thermostats, or any industrial usage, pyroelectric sensors provide peace of mind. It is useful in a host of applications used at home, and in industries. The same fundamental pyroelectric effect technology is utilized. The Pyroelectric Infrared Sensors (IR) utilize the pyroelectric effect of ceramic materials used. It absorbs the infrared rays and results in an electrical signal response to them. The sensors are sensitive and beneficial for a vast array of applications.
Motion sensors
Infrared motion sensors utilizing the pyroelectric effect can be passive or active. Active sensors can function over a long distance. This is because the position of the infrared emitter and sensor are placed far apart from each other. The perfect example to explain active infrared sensors is the garage door sensors. In the presence of any obstacle blocking the infrared beam, the signal stops delivering.
On the other hand, passive infrared sensors are used to identify motion via sensitive sensors organized to detect the infrared radiation heat directly from the source. Such pyroelectric sensors can detect the absence and presence of any person or object emitting infrared red.
Gas sensors
One of the most widely used applications of infrared pyroelectric sensors is detecting and monitoring different types of gasses used in the industrial field. The sensors function by incorporating an infrared emitter to intend infrared via a sample of gas. It is followed by the detection of a specific infrared wavelength received on the other end. When it is not received, the gas that absorbs the infrared wavelengths must be there in the gas sample. The sensors are adjusted to particular wavelengths using optical infrared filters. This allows only the desired wavelength to pass through to the gas sensing element.
Flame sensors
Flames are significantly high infrared emitters. Thus, flame sensors are constructed easily using pyroelectric sensors. The sensors are not only capable of detecting the presence of flames, but can easily distinguish the sources of flames accurately while using triple infrared flame detection devices. Flame sensors seem to be more accurate and even have a faster response time than heat and smoke detectors. Flame sensors are used extensively in industries and commercial buildings as fire protection devices. Apart from industries and commercial purposes, flame sensors are vital for smart homes that can monitor and keep track of the furnace inside the home.
Food sensors
With a similar working mechanism to gas sensors, the food sensors are developed to detect and identify food-associated substances like sugar, fat, lactose, and so on. The infrared food sensors can be used to monitor industrial, commercial, and medical processes and substances. It depends on the infrared optical filters that are used, and the configuration as well.
Conclusion
One of the prime benefits of considering pyroelectric sensors is to acquire accurate, highly sensitive, and fast infrared sensing for a wide range of applications. Whether it is sensing gas, food, flames, or motions, the benefits of infrared pyroelectric sensors cannot be ignored.