Abstract
We report here the observation of spontaneous light emission from molecular pyroelectric crystals which occurs when the crystal temperature is varied. We call this phenomenon pyroelectric luminescence (PEL). The intensity and time evolution of the light depends on several factors but is particularly sensitive to the pressure of air surrounding the crystal. This pressure dependence is similar for all the crystals and can be used to separate the luminescence into three classes. The distinguishing features of these classes may indicate the existence of different mechanisms.
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Patel, J., Hanson, D. Pyroelectric luminescence. Nature 293, 445–447 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1038/293445a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/293445a0
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