PVDF sensor array for human body detection

The pyroelectric polymer PVDF (poly(vinylidene fluoride)) is particularly suitable for sensor arrays because of its low lateral heat flow. Sensor arrays can be used to determine the direction and, knowing the distance between detector and heat source, the velocity of a heat source. An IR detector based on PVDF is presented in which a sensor array is combined with a suitable optical unit and amplifier circuit to form a single complete device. There are a great number of applications of such a device, such as human body detection, automatic actuation of devices in installations, security, and control