Reflective Optical Sensors

Reflective optical sensors are photoelectrical sensors that are used to detect the presence or absence of objects, or measure the distance to those objects. They are a non-contact type of sensor, often used in the automation industry. They can be used to provide real-time information in a manufacturing setting in order to keep processes running smoothly.

How do reflective optical sensors work?

A reflector is positioned opposite the light sensor, and a light beam is passed back and forth between the two. When an object is present, the beam is interrupted, and the sensor will send an electrical signal to the output device.

In some cases, polarising filters may be needed if the objects being detected are themselves reflective. These allow the sensor to tell the difference between light reflected by the reflector and the object.

Advantages of using reflective optical sensors

The advantage of using a reflective optical sensor over a through beam sensor is that they are much easier and less time consuming to install. This is because the transmitter and receiver are housed within the same body.