Fiber Optic Sensors

Fiber sensors are optical sensors packaged in a rugged, economical, easy-to-deploy solution. As with conventional photoelectric sensors, they involve emitter and a detector. Unlike conventional systems, they do not use free-space optics. Instead, the light is confined to an optical fiber both for transmission from source to object and return of the captured signal to the detector. Fiber sensors are particularly useful in harsh environments, for example with high temperatures or contamination. The fiber enables the source, detector, and electronics to be located a safe distance away from adverse conditions. The compact size also makes it possible to apply sensors in areas that will not fit conventional sensor heads.