Search Results (44)

The safety of power batteries in the automotive industry is of paramount importance and cannot be emphasized enough. As lithium-ion battery technology continues to evolve, the energy density of these batteries increases, thereby amplifying the potential risks linked to battery failures. This study explores pivotal safety challenges within the electric vehicle sector, with a particular focus on thermal runaway and gas emissions originating from lithium-ion batteries. We offer a non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) gas sensor designed to efficiently monitor battery emissions. Notably, carbon dioxide (CO₂) gas sensors are emphasized for their ability to enhance early-warning systems, facilitating the timely detection of potential issues and, in turn, improving the overall safety standards of electric vehicles. In this study, we introduce a novel CO₂ gas sensor based on the advanced pyroelectric single-crystal lead niobium magnesium titanate (PMNT), which exhibits exceptionally high pyroelectric properties compared to commercially available materials, such as lithium tantalate single crystals and lead zirconate titanate ceramics. The specific detection rate of PMNT single-crystal pyroelectric infrared detectors is more than four times higher than lithium tantalate single-crystal infrared detectors. The PMNT single-crystal NDIR gas detector is used to monitor thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries, enabling the rapid and highly accurate detection of gases released by the battery. This research offers an in-depth exploration of real-time monitoring for power battery safety, utilizing the cutting-edge pyroelectric single-crystal gas sensor. Beyond providing valuable insights, the study also presents practical recommendations for mitigating the risks of thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries, with a particular emphasis on the development of effective warning systems. Full article

The combination of ZnO with narrow bandgap materials such as CuO is now a common method to synthesize high-performance optoelectronic devices. This study focuses on optimizing the performance of p-CuO/n-ZnO heterojunction pyroelectric photodetectors, fabricated through magnetron sputtering, by leveraging the pyro-phototronic effect. The devices’ photoresponse to UV (365 nm) and visible (405 nm) lasers is thoroughly examined. The results show that when the device performance is regulated by adjusting the three parameters—sputtering power, sputtering time, and sputtering oxygen–argon ratio—the optimal sputtering parameters should be as follows: sputtering power of 120 W, sputtering time of 15 min, and sputtering oxygen–argon ratio of 1:3. With the optimal sputtering parameters, the maximum responsivity of the pyroelectric effect and the traditional photovoltaic effect ${\mathrm{R}}_{\mathrm{pyro}+\mathrm{photo}}$ of the detector is 4.7 times that under the basic parameters, and the maximum responsivity of the traditional photovoltaic effect ${\mathrm{R}}_{\mathrm{photo}}$ is also 5.9 times that under the basic parameters. This study not only showcases the extensive potential of the pyro-phototronic effect in enhancing heterojunction photodetectors for high-performance photodetection but also provides some ideas for fabricating high-performance photodetectors. Full article

The application of terahertz (THz) science in industrial technology and scientific research requires efficient THz detectors. Such detectors should be able to operate under various external conditions and conform to existing geometric constraints in the required application. Pyroelectric THz detectors are among the best candidates. This is due to their versatility, outstanding performance, ease of fabrication, and robustness. In this paper, we propose a compact pyroelectric detector based on a bioriented poled polyvinylidene difluoride film coated with sputtered metal electrodes for in situ absorption measurement at cryogenic temperature. The detector design was optimized for the registration system of the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) endstation of the Novosibirsk Free Electron Laser facility. Measurements of the detector response to pulsed THz radiation at different temperatures and electrode materials showed that the response varies with both the temperature and the type of electrode material used. The maximum signal level corresponds to the temperature range of 10–40 K, in which the pyroelectric coefficient of the PVDF film also has a maximum value. Among the three coatings studied, namely indium tin oxide (ITO), Au, and Cu/Ni, the latter has the highest increase in sensitivity at low temperature. The possibility of using the detectors for in situ absorption measurement was exemplified using two typical molecular spin systems, which exhibited a transparency of 20–30% at 76.9 cm⁻¹ and 5 K. Such measurements, carried out directly in the cryostat with the main recording system and sample fully configured, allow precise control of the THz radiation parameters at the EPR endstation. Full article

Pyroelectric materials, with piezoelectricity and pyroelectricity, have been widely used in infrared thermal detectors. In this paper, a modified first-order plate theory is extended to analyze a pyroelectric sensitive element structure. The displacement, temperature, and electric potential expand along the thickness direction. The governing equation of the pyroelectric plate is built up. The potential distributions with upper and lower electrodes are obtained under different supported boundary conditions. The corresponding numerical results of electric potential are consistent with those obtained by the three-dimensional finite element method. Meanwhile, the theoretical results of electric potential are close to that of experiments. The influence of supported boundary conditions, piezoelectric effect, and plate thickness are analyzed. Numerical results show that the piezoelectric effect reduces the electric potential. The thickness of the pyroelectric plate enhances the electric potential but reduces the response speed of the detector. It is anticipated that the pyroelectric plate theory can provide a theoretical approach for the structural design of pyroelectric sensitive elements. Full article

Lithium tantalate (LiTaO₃) perovskite finds wide use in pyroelectric detectors, optical waveguides and piezoelectric transducers, stemming from its good mechanical and chemical stability and optical transparency. Herein, we present a method for synthesis of LiTaO₃ nanoparticles using a scalable Flame Spray Pyrolysis (FSP) technology, that allows the formation of LiTaO₃ nanomaterials in a single step. Raman, XRD and TEM studies allow for comprehension of the formation mechanism of the LiTaO₃ nanophases, with particular emphasis on the penetration of Li atoms into the Ta-oxide lattice. We show that, control of the High-Temperature Particle Residence Time (HTPRT) in the FSP flame, is the key-parameter that allows successful penetration of the -otherwise amorphous- Li phase into the Ta₂O₅ nanophase. In this way, via control of the HTPRT in the FSP process, we synthesized a series of nanostructured LiTaO₃ particles of varying phase composition from {amorphous Li/Ta₂O₅/LiTaO₃} to {pure LiTaO₃, 15–25 nm}. Finally, the photophysical activity of the FSP-made LiTaO₃ was validated for photocatalytic H₂ production from H₂O. These data are discussed in conjunction with the role of the phase composition of the LiTaO₃ nanoparticles. More generally, the present work allows a better understanding of the mechanism of ABO₃ perovskite formation that requires the incorporation of two cations, A and B, into the nanolattice. Full article

Increasing concerns about air quality due to fossil fuel combustion, especially nitrogen oxides (NO_x) from marine and diesel engines, necessitate advanced monitoring systems due to the significant health and environmental impacts of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂). In this study, a gas detection system based on the principle of the non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) technique is proposed. Firstly, the pyroelectric detector was developed by employing an ultra-thin LiTaO₃ (LT) layer as the sensitive element, integrated with nanoscale carbon material prepared by wafer-level graphics technology as the infrared absorption layer. Then, the sensor was hermetically sealed using inert gas through energy storage welding technology, exhibiting a high detectivity (D*) value of 4.19 × 10⁸ cm·√Hz/W. Subsequently, a NO₂ gas sensor was engineered based on the NDIR principle employing a Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS) infrared (IR) emitter, featuring a light path chamber length of 1.5 m, along with integrated signal processing and software calibration algorithms. This gas sensor was capable of detecting NO₂ concentrations within the range of 0–500 ppm. Initial tests indicated that the gas sensor exhibited a full-scale relative error of less than 0.46%, a limit of 2.8 ppm, a linearity of −1.09%, a repeatability of 0.47% at a concentration of 500 ppm, and a stability of 2% at a concentration of 500 ppm. The developed gas sensor demonstrated significant potential for application in areas such as industrial monitoring and analytical instrumentation. Full article

Lithium tantalate crystals, as a type of pyroelectric material, stand out from many other pyroelectric materials due to the advantages of high Curie temperature, large pyroelectric coefficient, high figure of merits, and environmental friendliness. Due to the pyroelectric effect caused by their spontaneous polarization, lithium tantalate crystals have broad application prospects in wide spectral bandwidth and uncooled pyroelectric detectors. This article reviews the pyroelectric properties of lithium tantalate crystals and evaluates methods for pyroelectric properties, methods for modulating pyroelectric properties, and pyroelectric detectors and their applications. The prospects of lithium tantalate thin films, doped lithium tantalate crystals, and near stoichiometric lithium tantalate crystals as response components for pyroelectric detectors are also discussed. Full article

The application of terahertz (THz) radiation in scientific research as well as in applied and commercial technology has expanded rapidly in recent years. One example is the progress in high-resolution THz spectroscopy based on quantum cascade lasers, which has enabled new observations in astronomy, atmospheric research, and plasma diagnostics. However, the lack of easy-to-use and miniaturised detectors has hampered the development of compact THz spectroscopy systems out of the laboratory environment. In this paper, we introduce a new high-speed pyroelectric receiver as a cryogen-free detector for THz absorption spectroscopy. Its performance is characterised by absorption spectroscopy measurements on a reference gas cell (RGC) with ammonia using a tunable THz quantum cascade laser at approximately 4.75 THz as the light source. It is shown that the receiver can record spectra up to 281 Hz without any artefacts to the observed spectral absorption profile, and the results reproduce the known pressure of ammonia in the RGC. This demonstrates that the pyroelectric receiver can be reliably used as an alternative to helium-cooled bolometers for absorption spectroscopy measurements in the THz range, with its main advantages being the high bandwidth, compactness, relatively low cost, and room-temperature operation. Its simplicity and high sensitivity make this receiver a key component for compact THz spectroscopy systems. Full article

Pyroelectric materials are naturally electrically polarized and exhibits a built-in spontaneous polarization in their unit cell structure even in the absence of any externally applied electric field. These materials are regarded as one of the ideal detector elements for infrared applications because they have a fast response time and uniform sensitivity at room temperature across all wavelengths. Crystals of the perovskite lead titanate (PbTi${\mathrm{O}}_3$) family show pyroelectric characteristics and undergo structural phase transitions. They have a high Curie temperature (the temperature at which the material changes from the ferroelectric (polar) to the paraelectric (nonpolar) phase), high pyroelectric coefficient, high spontaneous polarization, low dielectric constant, and constitute important component materials not only useful for infrared detection, but also with vast applications in electronic, optic, and MEMS devices. However, the preparation of large perfect and pure single crystals PbTi${\mathrm{O}}_3$ is challenging. Additionally, difficulties arise in the application of such bulk crystals in terms of connection to processing circuits, large size, and high voltages required for their operation. In this part of the review paper, we explain the electrical behavior and characterization techniques commonly utilized to unravel the pyroelectric properties of lead titanate and its derivatives. Further, it explains how the material preparation techniques affect the electrical characteristics of resulting thin films. It also provides an in-depth discussion of the measurement of pyroelectric coefficients using different techniques. Full article

Pyroelectric materials, are those materials with the property that in the absence of any externally applied electric field, develop a built-in spontaneous polarization in their unit cell structure. They are regarded as ideal detector elements for infrared applications because they can provide fast response time and uniform sensitivity at room temperature over all wavelengths. Crystals of the perovskite Lead Titanate (PbTi${\mathrm{O}}_3$) family show pyroelectric characteristics and undergo structural phase transitions. They have a high Curie temperature (the temperature at which the material changes from the ferroelectric (polar) to the paraelectric (nonpolar) phase), high pyroelectric coefficient, high spontaneous polarization, low dielectric constant, and constitute important component materials not only useful for infrared detection, but also with vast applications in electronic, optic, and Micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) devices. However, the preparation of large perfect, and pure single crystals of PbTi${\mathrm{O}}_3$ is challenging. Additionally, difficulties arise in the application of such bulk crystals in terms of connection to processing circuits, large size, and high voltages required for their operation. A number of thin film fabrication techniques have been proposed to overcome these inadequacies, among which, magnetron sputtering has demonstrated many potentials. By addressing these aspects, the review article aims to contribute to the understanding of the challenges in the field of pyroelectric materials, highlight potential solutions, and showcase the advancements and potentials of pyroelectric perovskite series including PbZrTiO₃ (PZT), ${\mathrm{P}\mathrm{b}}_{\mathrm{x}}{\mathrm{C}\mathrm{a}}_{1-\mathrm{x}}$ (PZN-PT), etc. for which PbTi${\mathrm{O}}_3$ is the end member. The review is presented in two parts. Part 1 focuses on material aspects, including preparation methods using magnetron sputtering and material characterization. We take a tutorial approach to discuss the progress made in epitaxial growth of lead titanate-based ceramics prepared by magnetron sputtering and examine how processing conditions may affect the crystalline quality of the growing film by linking to the properties of the substrate/buffer layer, growth substrate temperature, and the oxygen partial pressure in the gas mixture. Careful control and optimization of these parameters are crucial for achieving high-quality thin films with desired structural and morphological characteristics. Full article

Research on developing a smart security system is based on Artificial Intelligence with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to detect and monitor alert situations, such as fire accidents and theft/intruders in the building or factory, which is based on the Internet of Things (IoT) network. The system includes a Passive Pyroelectric Infrared Detector for human detection and an analog flame sensor to sense the appearance of the concerned objects and then transmit the signal to the workstation via Wi-Fi based on the microcontroller Espressif32 (Esp32). The computer vision models YOLOv8 (You Only Look Once version 8) and Cascade Classifier are trained and implemented into the workstation, which is able to identify people, some potentially dangerous objects, and fire. The drone is also controlled by three algorithms—distance maintenance, automatic yaw rotation, and potentially dangerous object avoidance—with the support of a proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller. The Smart Drone Surveillance System has good commands for automatic tracking and streaming of the video of these specific circumstances and then transferring the data to the involved parties such as security or staff. Full article

The development of efficient and reliable sensors operating at room temperature is essential to advance the application of terahertz (THz) science and technology. Pyroelectric THz detectors are among the best candidates, taking into account their variety, outstanding performance, ease of fabrication, and robustness. In this work, we compare the performance of six different detectors, based on either LaTiO₃ crystal or different polymeric films, using monochromatic radiation of the Novosibirsk Free Electron Laser facility (NovoFEL) in the frequency range of 0.9–2.0 THz. The main characteristics, including noise equivalent power and frequency response, were determined for all of them. Possible reasons for the differences in the obtained characteristics are discussed on the basis of the main physicochemical characteristics and optical properties of the sensitive area. At least three detectors showed sufficient sensitivity to monitor the shape and duration of the THz macropulses utilizing only a small fraction of the THz radiation from the primary beam. This capability is crucial for accurate characterization of THz radiation during the main experiment at various specialized endstations at synchrotrons and free electron lasers. As an example of such characterization, the typical stability of the average NovoFEL radiation power at the beamline of the electron paramagnetic resonance endstation was investigated. Full article

YBa₂Cu₃O_6+x (YBCO) cuprates are semiconductive when oxygen depleted (x < 0.5). They can be used for uncooled thermal detection in the near-infrared: (i) low temperature deposition on silicon substrates, leading to an amorphous phase (a-YBCO); (ii) pyroelectric properties exploited in thermal detectors offering both low noise and fast response above 1 MHz. However, a-YBCO films exhibit a small direct current (DC) electrical conductivity, with strong non-linearity of current–voltage plots. Calcium doping is well known for improving the transport properties of oxygen-rich YBCO films (x > 0.7). In this paper, we consider the performances of pyroelectric detectors made from calcium-doped (10 at. %) and undoped a-YBCO films. First, the surface microstructure, composition, and DC electrical properties of a-Y_0.9Ca_0.1Ba₂Cu₃O_6+x films were investigated; then devices were tested at 850 nm wavelength and results were analyzed with an analytical model. A lower DC conductivity was measured for the calcium-doped material, which exhibited a slightly rougher surface, with copper-rich precipitates. The calcium-doped device exhibited a higher specific detectivity ($D^{*}=7.5\times {10}^7 \mathrm{c}\mathrm{m}·\sqrt{\mathrm{H}\mathrm{z}}/\mathrm{W}$ at 100 kHz) than the undoped device. Moreover, a shorter thermal time constant (<8 ns) was inferred as compared to the undoped device and commercially available pyroelectric sensors, thus paving the way to significant improvements for fast infrared imaging applications. Full article

Pyroelectric infrared sensors (PIR) are widely used as infrared (IR) detectors due to their basic implementation, low cost, low power, and performance. Combined with a Fresnel lens, they can be used as a binary detector in applications of presence and motion control. Furthermore, due to their features, they can be used in autonomous intelligent devices or included in robotics applications or sensor networks. In this work, two neural processing architectures are presented: (1) an analog processing approach to achieve the behavior of a presynaptic neuron from a PIR sensor. An analog circuit similar to the leaky integrate and fire model is implemented to be able to generate spiking rates proportional to the IR stimuli received at a PIR sensor. (2) An embedded postsynaptic neuron where a spiking neural network matrix together with an algorithm based on digital processing techniques is introduced. This structure allows connecting a set of sensors to the post-synaptic circuit emulating an optic nerve. As a case study, the entire neural processing approach presented in this paper is applied to optical flow detection considering a four-PIR array as input. The results validate both the spiking approach for an analog sensor presented and the ability to retrieve the analog information sent as spike trains in a simulated optic nerve. Full article

This paper proposes to apply a newly developed Non-Dispersive Infrared Spectroscopy (NDIR) gas sensing system composed of pyroelectric infrared detectors to monitor the thermal runaway (TR) process of lithium-ion batteries in real time and achieve an early warning system for the battery TR process. The new Electrical Vehicle Safety—Global Technical Regulation (EVS-GTR) requires that a warning be provided to passengers at least five minutes before a serious incident. The experimental results indicate that carbon dioxide and methane gas were detected during the overcharge test of the automotive battery, and the target gas was detected 25 s in advance before the battery TR when the battery vent was closed. In order to further explore the battery TR mechanism, an experiment was carried out using the battery sample with the battery vent opened. The target gas was detected about 580 s before the battery temperature reached the common alarm temperature (60 °C) of the battery management system (BMS). In this study, the beneficial effects of NDIR gas sensors in the field of thermal runaway warnings for automotive batteries were demonstrated and showed great application prospects and commercial value. Full article