A General Formula for the Effective Pyroelectric Coefficient of Composites.

We have derived a general formula for the prediction of the effective pyroelectric coefficient of composites. In this relation, the pyroelectric coefficient of the composite is written as a function of the pyroelectric coefficients and dielectric constants of the constituents and the effective dielectric constant of the composite material. In contrast to other formulas in the field, shape and spatial arrangement of the components and the volume ratio are not directly involved in our relation. The influence of these is completely included in the effective dielectric constant of the composite. Therefore, the new relation gives a correct description for all kinds of connectivities and provides an easy tool for the optimization of pyroelectric composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]