Optical Sensors

Optical sensors perform measurement tasks (distances to or presence of objects as well as rotation angles) or transmit data optically. To do this, they use visible light or infrared radiation in the near infrared range between 800 and 1000 nm. In these ranges, there are very powerful radiation sources in the form of light-emitting diodes. The radiation emitted by LEDs is detected in optical sensor systems by photodiodes or phototransistors. These photoreceivers are usually based on silicon and are very sensitive, particularly in the near infrared range. Special filters ensure that phototransistors and photodiodes are only sensitive in the visible spectral range (so-called daylight sensors). This makes them suitable for detecting and evaluating ambient brightness in the same spectral range as the human eye.