Sensors & Measurement
Photoelectric sensor
A sensor that uses light to detect objects.
IN ONE SENTENCE
It sends light and monitors whether the beam is returned, reflected or interrupted.
In normal English
Diffuse, retro-reflective and through-beam arrangements suit different distances and targets. Surface colour and ambient conditions can matter.
Why would I use it?
Use it for non-contact object detection over longer ranges than many proximity sensors.
THINK OF IT LIKE…
An industrial light beam watching for something to appear or disappear.
Related terms
through-beam, retro-reflective, proximity
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