Laser technology and lasers are one of the most significant scientific technologies that emerged in the sixties of the twentieth century. It has promoted the development of traditional industries and emerging industries, so that the application scope of lasers has expanded to almost all fields of the national economy.

What is a laser sensor?

A laser sensor is an electronic device that uses a focused beam of light to detect the presence or distance of an object.

The light emitted by the laser sensor is a small bright spot, similar to a laser pointer. This spot is bright enough to be easily visible even in direct sunlight. Being able to easily see this point makes it easier to set up and troubleshoot the laser sensor.

On some laser sensors, the light source can be turned off when the sensor is not in use.

Principle of laser sensors

Laser sensors are sensors that utilize laser technology to make measurements. It consists of a laser, a laser detector, and a measurement circuit. The laser sensor is a new type of measuring instrument, which has the advantage of being able to achieve non-contact long-distance measurement, fast speed, high precision, large range, strong anti-light and electrical interference ability, etc.

Lasers are different from ordinary light and need to be generated with lasers. Under normal conditions, most of the atoms are at a stable low energy level E1, and under the action of external light at an appropriate frequency, the atoms at the low energy level absorb photon energy and jump to the high energy level E2. The photon energy E=E2-E1=hv, where h is Planck's constant and v is the photon frequency. Conversely, under the induction of light with frequency v, atoms at energy level E2 will jump to a lower energy level to release energy and emit light, which is called stimulated radiation. The laser first makes the atoms of the working matter abnormally mostly at a high energy level (i.e., the inverted distribution of the number of particles), so that the stimulated radiation process is dominant, so that the evoked luminescence with frequency v is enhanced, and a large stimulated radiation light can be generated by the avalanche-like amplification of parallel mirrors, referred to as laser. Lasers have 3 important properties.

2.1 High directivity (i.e., high directionality, small divergence angle at the speed of light), the expansion range of the laser beam at a distance of several kilometers is only a few centimeters.

2.2 High monochromaticity, the frequency width of the laser is more than 10 times smaller than that of ordinary light.

2.3 High brightness, using laser beam convergence to produce temperatures of up to several million degrees.

How do laser sensors work?

Now let's talk about how laser sensors work. First, light travels from the sensor to the object. The light is then reflected back from the object back to the sensor.

The sensor then calculates the time it takes for the light rays to travel to and from the object to determine the distance.

If the object is within range of the sensor, the sensor outputs a signal. If the object is out of range of the sensor, the output will remain off.

Why use a laser sensor?

Now let's talk about some of the reasons to use laser sensors.

They work well in dusty conditions. Compared to other types of sensors, laser sensors have brighter light and have fewer problems in dusty environments.

The bright light of the laser sensor is not affected by other light sources. Laser sensors can even be used in direct sunlight.

Due to the size of the light spot of the laser sensor, it is ideal for detecting small objects. Laser sensors can also be used for precise positioning. Laser sensors can also have a long operating range if required.

summary

Laser sensors use a focused beam of light to detect the presence, absence, or distance of an object.

Laser sensors are a better choice for dusty or bright light environments, and they can be used for small objects and can have a long operating range.