Diffuse photoelectric sensors
Diffuse photoelectric sensors use reflection to detect the presence of objects. The sensor emits a light that is reflected by the object. The reflected light is detected by the sensor and the sensor switches. Many autosen diffuse reflection sensors come with background suppression that prevents faulty triggering caused by reflections in the environment. Read more here
Cloud compatible
Cloud compatibleWhat are diffuse reflection sensors?
Diffuse reflection sensors are the efficient solution for object detection when installation space is limited. As one of the key types of optical sensor, they combine transmitter and receiver in a single housing. Thanks to its compact design, the diffuse reflection sensor is ideal for space-critical systems, for example in conveyor technology. Installation is simple, as no additional reflectors are required. They are often used for short distances because the sensing range depends heavily on the reflectivity, shape, colour and material properties of the object to be detected.
Design of a diffuse reflection sensor

Advantages of diffuse reflection sensors at a glance
- Compact design: ideal for installations with limited space
- No reflectors required: reliable object detection, simplified installation
- Industrial-grade design: robust and reliable in demanding environments
- Range: red light diffuse reflection sensors up to 1.4 m, laser diffuse reflection sensors up to 10 m - for flexible use
- Seamless system integration: via 4-pin M8 or M12 connector
How to find the right diffuse reflection sensor for your task
Diffuse reflection sensors from autosen are classified according to different measuring principles and light types. Depending on the application, models with laser (class 1 or 2), red light or infrared light are available.
Selecting by light type: precision, versatility or immunity to interference?
Laser diffuse reflection sensors
Offer maximum precision, ideal for detecting small objects or for long sensing distances.
Red light diffuse reflection sensors
Are universally applicable and allow easy alignment.
Infrared diffuse reflection sensors
Are particularly suitable for applications with difficult lighting conditions, hygiene-critical areas or dirty environments caused by, for example, dust.
Diffuse reflection sensor designs: versatile and perfectly suited to every installation situation
Rectangular
Ideal for installation in machines and systems with flat mounting surfaces.
Cylindrical with thread (M12/M18)
Easy integration into existing systems, particularly robust and ideal for industrial applications
Miniature diffuse reflection sensors
Perfect for use in confined spaces and with very small objects.
Application scenarios: conveyor belts, mechanical engineering, food industry
Thanks to the wide selection of designs and light types, you will find the right diffuse reflection sensor from autosen for every application. Diffuse reflection sensors have a wide range of applications in various industries, particularly in the conveyor and mechanical engineering sectors as well as in the food industry.
Conveyor technology & conveyor belts
- In conveyor technology: For the precise positioning of packages and to prevent jams. Our sensors with background suppression reliably ignore the conveyor belt.
- Background suppression: Our models with background suppression detect objects at the defined distance and reliably suppress background objects such as, for example, walls, machine frames or people in the background. This prevents false triggering caused by objects behind the conveyor belt.
- Flexible mounting: Rectangular and miniature designs allow integration even in confined systems.
Mechanical engineering
- Position monitoring & automation: Diffuse reflection sensors ensure accurate detection of components and smooth switching operations.
- Simple system integration: Standardised designs (M12/M18) enable quick installation in existing systems.
- Increased efficiency: Thanks to precise measurement, errors are minimised and processes accelerated.
Food industry
- Hygienic solutions: Diffuse reflection sensors with robust stainless steel housings and an IP69K protection rating are suitable for wet and hygiene-sensitive areas. For these requirements in particular, autosen offers a solution with the rectangular red light sensor AO001, which particularly well suited for the food industry thanks to its ECOLAB certification and robust design.
- Non-contact detection: No mechanical contact - less cleaning effort, no cross-contamination.
- Quality assurance: Reliable detection even with packaging featuring different surfaces.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about diffuse reflection sensors
Position the sensor so that the light beam strikes the surface optimally. Activate background suppression (BGS) to minimise interfering reflections and increase detection reliability.
BGS suppresses interfering backgrounds and improves detection even with difficult surfaces. This reduces false triggering and increases process reliability.
Depending on the size, diffuse reflection sensors can be integrated flexibly. Particularly compact variants are suitable for machine layouts with very limited space. Rectangular for flat surfaces, cylindrical with thread for industrial standards, miniature for confined spaces.
A diffuse reflection sensor with IO-Link saves you time and money. You can adjust the sensor remotely, read out diagnostic data (e.g. in the event of contamination) and automate format changes. This reduces downtime.
Laser for maximum precision, red light for universal use, infrared for difficult ambient conditions.















