The Golay Cell is slightly more sensitive, it has a larger sensing area, a fixed window, it has a slow response time, is physically large and requires AC voltage for operation. The Golay Cell is “one of a kind” at present. The Pyroelectric Detector, on the other hand is almost as sensitive, can be used windowless or with windows, may include a black absorber to enhance flat spectral response, is inherently fast, has a large operating temperature, is small and can be operated off batteries or an AC supply.
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