Advantages of optical sensor | Disadvantages of optical sensor

This page covers advantages and disadvantages of optical sensor. It mentions optical sensor advantages and optical sensor disadvantages.

Definition: The method of sensing light rays is known as optical sensing. The sensor type used for optical sensing is known as optical sensor.

Optical Sensor converts light rays into electrical signal. This is similar to the function performed by photoresistor. Let us understand working operation of optical sensor.

Optical Sensor Working Operation

optical sensing using optical sensor
fig:1 Optical sensing

In general, there are two components in optical sensing viz. transmitter (i.e. optical source) and receiver (optical detector). The concept is depicted in the figure with the example of optical fiber. As shown light beam changes its parameters when any object comes in between transmitter and receiver. There are five useful parameters of light which are being measured in optical sensing viz. intensity, phase, wavelength, polarization, spectral distribution.
Refer optical sensor basics and types >>.

Advantages of Optical Sensor

Following are the advantages of Optical Sensor:
➨High sensitivity
➨Chemically inert
➨Small and lightweight
➨Suitable for remote sensing
➨Immunity to electromagnetic interference
➨Wide dynamic range
➨Capable of monitoring a wide range of chemical and physical parameters
➨Reliable operation

optoelectronic motion sensor

Refer Optoelectronic motion sensor basics>> and optical components>>.

Disadvantages of Optical Sensor

Following are the disadvantages of Optical Sensor:
➨Susceptible to interference from environmental effects
➨Can be costly
➨Susceptible to physical damage
➨Refer advantages and disadvantages of fiber optic pressure sensor and fiber optic temperature sensor for more specific information.



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