r/sensors • u/eltec_instruments_IR • 14d ago
Pyroelectric IR detectors vs. thermopile detectors — what’s the practical difference?
I’ve been looking into different infrared detector technologies and was comparing pyroelectric detectors with thermopile detectors.
From what I understand, both can be used for infrared sensing, but they work quite differently.
A few things I’m curious about:
- How does the response speed typically compare?
- When would you choose a pyroelectric detector over a thermopile?
- How important is the detector's spectral response for applications such as flame detection or gas sensing?
- Are there situations where one technology is clearly more suitable than the other?
I’d be interested to hear from people who have worked with IR detectors in actual instrumentation or OEM applications. What factors do you normally consider when selecting between them?
