Thermal spread in a pyroelectric vidicon with a pressed contact target interface∗

The thermal response of the target of a pyroelectric vidicon camera tube is analysed, for the novel configuration in which the pyroelectric target is in pressed contact with the faceplate. From the analysis it is concluded that, for a triglycine sulphate target in contact with a germanium faceplate, if the thermal contact resistance is greater than about 10 ^-3 m ² W ^-1K then the effect of the thermal contact on the thermal response is negligible, i.e. the response is the same as that for a freely suspended target. Recent experimental measurements indicate that a value of thermal contact resistance greater than 10 ^-3 m ²W ^-1 K should be achievable in practice.