Photoelectric sensors

Photoelectric sensors detect the presence of objects based on the reflection or interruption of the emitted light beam. Distance sensors can also detect the exact distance using the principle of ToF measurement. They can detect non-transparent objects & levels of turbid liquids at high ranges w/o contact. Read more here

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Photoelectric sensors

All items of the category Photoelectric sensors :

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Laser distance sensor ultra performance
AL001Laser distance sensor ultra performance
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  • Laser diffuse reflection sensor with IO-Link
  • M12 connector (4-pin)
  • Background suppression >10...100 m
  • Sensing range 0.2...10 m
  • 2x switching output, 1 analogue output
281.55
266.06
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Laser distance sensor
AL002Laser distance sensor
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  • Laser diffuse reflection sensor with IO-Link
  • M12 connector (4-pin)
  • Background suppression <20 m< i>
  • Sensing range 0.03...2 m
  • Antivalent
153.33
144.90
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Laser distance sensor M30x1.5 metal thread
AL003Laser distance sensor M30x1.5 metal thread
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  • Laser diffuse reflection sensor with IO-Link
  • M12 connector (4-pin)
  • Background suppression <20 m< i>
  • Sensing range 0.03...2 m
  • Antivalent
154.44
145.95
28 in stock!
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Laser diffuse reflection sensor M18x1 metal thread
AL004Laser diffuse reflection sensor M18x1 metal thread
Go to customer reviews(15)
  • Laser diffuse reflection sensor M18 thread (IO-Link)
  • M12 connector (3-pin)
  • with teach function & background suppression
  • Sensing range 20...200 mm
  • Light-on/dark-on mode programmable
159.30
150.54
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Laser diffuse reflection sensor with PA housing
AL005Laser diffuse reflection sensor with PA housing
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  • Laser diffuse reflection sensor with IO-Link
  • M8 connector (4-pin)
  • with background suppression
  • Sensing range 1...100 mm
  • Light-on/dark-on mode switchable
123.81
117.00
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Laser retro-reflective sensor with PA housing
AL006Laser retro-reflective sensor with PA housing
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  • Laser retro-reflective sensor with IO-Link
  • M8 connector (4-pin)
  • with polarisation filter
  • Sensing range 0.075...8 m
  • Light-on/dark-on mode switchable
115.94
109.56
io Cloudkompatibel Cloud compatible
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Laser through-beam sensor with PA housing
AL007Laser through-beam sensor with PA housing
  • Laser through beam sensor
  • Transmitter (receiver: AL008)
  • M8 connector (4-pin)
  • Sensing range <15 m< i>
  • with IO-Link
93.27
88.14
io Cloudkompatibel Cloud compatible
23 in stock!
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Laser through-beam sensor with PA housing
AL008Laser through-beam sensor with PA housing
  • Laser through beam sensor
  • Receiver (transmitter: AL007)
  • M8 connector (4-pin)
  • Sensing range <15 m< i>
  • with IO-Link
58.79
55.56
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Laser distance sensor ultra precision
AL009Laser distance sensor ultra precision
Go to customer reviews(7)
  • Laser diffuse reflection sensor with IO-Link
  • M12 connector (4-pin)
  • Background suppression <20 m< i>
  • Sensing range 0.03... 0.3 m
  • 2x programmable normally open/ normally closed
251.93
238.07
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Laser distance sensor ultra precision
AL010Laser distance sensor ultra precision
Go to customer reviews(16)
  • Laser diffuse reflection sensor with IO-Link
  • M12 connector (4-pin)
  • Background suppression <20 m< i>
  • Sensing range 0.03... 1.5 m
  • 2x programmable normally open/ normally closed
185.33
175.14
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Retro-reflective sensor IP69K stainless steel housing
AO002Retro-reflective sensor IP69K stainless steel housing
Go to customer reviews(63)
  • Sensing range 0.05...5 m
  • Red light
  • with polarisation filter
  • Stainless steel housing
  • Light-on/dark-on mode programmable
84.89
80.22
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Through-beam sensor IP69K stainless steel housing
AO003Through-beam sensor IP69K stainless steel housing
Go to customer reviews(25)
  • Transmitter (receiver: AO004)
  • Sensing range 10 m
  • Red light
  • Stainless steel housing
  • for hygienic & wet zones
46.92
44.34
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Through-beam sensor IP69K stainless steel housing
AO004Through-beam sensor IP69K stainless steel housing
Go to customer reviews(20)
  • Receiver (transmitter: AO003)
  • Sensing range 10 m
  • Red light
  • Stainless steel housing
  • for hygienic & wet zones
58.67
55.44
100+ in stock!
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Diffuse reflection sensor with PA housing
AO005Diffuse reflection sensor with PA housing
Go to customer reviews(71)
  • Sensing range 0.05...1.4 m
  • Red light
  • with background suppression
  • Light-on mode/ normally open
94.03
88.86
300+ in stock!
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Retro-reflective sensor with PA housing
AO006Retro-reflective sensor with PA housing
Go to customer reviews(25)
  • Sensing range 0.1...7 m
  • Red light
  • with polarisation filter
  • dark-on mode/ normally open
84.51
79.86
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Through-beam sensor with PA housing
AO007Through-beam sensor with PA housing
Go to customer reviews(2)
  • Transmitter (receiver: AO008)
  • Sensing range 20 m
  • Red light
  • Protection rating IP67
  • M12 connector (2-pin)
72.39
68.41
42 in stock!
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Through-beam sensor with PA housing
AO008Through-beam sensor with PA housing
Go to customer reviews(2)
  • Receiver (transmitter: AO007)
  • Sensing range 20 m
  • Red light
  • Protection rating IP67
  • M12 connector (3-pin)
84.84
80.17
200+ in stock!
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Diffuse reflection sensor M12x1 metal thread
AO009Diffuse reflection sensor M12x1 metal thread
Go to customer reviews(37)
  • Sensing range 1...400 mm
  • Infrared light
  • Metal housing M12 thread
  • Light-on/dark-on mode programmable
  • with function check output
100.38
94.86
46 in stock!
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Retro-reflective sensor M12x1 metal thread
AO010Retro-reflective sensor M12x1 metal thread
Go to customer reviews(10)
  • Sensing range 0.1...0.8 m
  • Red light
  • with polarisation filter
  • Metal housing M12 thread
  • Light-on/dark-on mode programmable
98.70
93.27
40 in stock!
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Through-beam sensor M12x1 metal thread
AO011Through-beam sensor M12x1 metal thread
Go to customer reviews(10)
  • Transmitter (receiver: AO012)
  • Sensing range 4 m
  • Infrared light
  • Protection rating IP65
  • Metal housing M12 thread
68.44
64.68
47 in stock!
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Through-beam sensor M12x1 metal thread
AO012Through-beam sensor M12x1 metal thread
Go to customer reviews(9)
  • Receiver (transmitter: AO011)
  • Sensing range 4 m
  • Infrared light
  • Protection rating IP65
  • Metal housing M12 thread
80.51
76.08
50+ in stock!
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Diffuse reflection sensor M18x1 metal thread
AO013Diffuse reflection sensor M18x1 metal thread
Go to customer reviews(63)
  • Sensing range 15...250 mm
  • Red light
  • Stainless steel housing M18 thread
  • with background suppression
  • Light-on mode/ normally open
83.37
78.78
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Retro-reflective sensor M18x1 metal thread
AO014Retro-reflective sensor M18x1 metal thread
Go to customer reviews(33)
  • Sensing range 0.03...4 m
  • Red light
  • with polarisation filter
  • Metal housing M18 thread
  • dark-on mode/ normally open
74.73
70.62
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Through-beam sensor M18x1 metal thread
AO015Through-beam sensor M18x1 metal thread
Go to customer reviews(15)
  • Transmitter (receiver: AO016)
  • Sensing range 20 m
  • Red light
  • Protection rating IP67
  • Stainless steel housing M18 thread
53.95
50.98
6 in stock!
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Through-beam sensor M18x1 metal thread
AO016Through-beam sensor M18x1 metal thread
Go to customer reviews(12)
  • Receiver (transmitter: AO015)
  • Sensing range 20 m
  • Red light
  • Protection rating IP67
  • Stainless steel housing M18 thread
64.89
61.32
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Mini Diffuse reflection sensor with PA housing
AO018Mini Diffuse reflection sensor with PA housing
Go to customer reviews(6)
  • Sensing range 1...30 mm
  • Red light
  • with background suppression
  • Light-on mode/ normally open
  • with IO-Link
73.76
69.70
io Cloudkompatibel Cloud compatible
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Mini Diffuse reflection sensor with PA housing
AO019Mini Diffuse reflection sensor with PA housing
Go to customer reviews(7)
  • Sensing range 1...50 mm
  • Red light
  • with background suppression
  • Light-on mode/ normally open
  • with IO-Link
73.76
69.70
io Cloudkompatibel Cloud compatible
20 in stock!
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Mini Diffuse reflection sensor with PA housing
AO020Mini Diffuse reflection sensor with PA housing
Go to customer reviews(5)
  • Sensing range 1...80 mm
  • Red light
  • with background suppression
  • Light-on mode/ normally open
  • with IO-Link
73.76
69.70
io Cloudkompatibel Cloud compatible
19 in stock!
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Mini retro-reflective sensor with PA housing
AO021Mini retro-reflective sensor with PA housing
Go to customer reviews(9)
  • Sensing range 20...1800 mm
  • Red light
  • with polarisation filter
  • with pigtail
  • dark-on mode/ normally open
63.59
60.09
50+ in stock!
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Mini Through-beam sensor with PA housing
AO022Mini Through-beam sensor with PA housing
Go to customer reviews(4)
  • Transmitter (receiver: AO023)
  • Sensing range <3 m< i>
  • Red light
  • with M8 pigtail 4-pin
44.43
41.99
io Cloudkompatibel Cloud compatible
43 in stock!
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Mini Through-beam sensor with PA housing
AO023Mini Through-beam sensor with PA housing
Go to customer reviews(4)
  • Receiver (transmitter: AO022)
  • Sensing range <3 m< i>
  • Red light
  • with M8 pigtail 4-pin
51.64
48.80
100+ in stock!
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Diffuse reflection sensor with PA housing
AO024Diffuse reflection sensor with PA housing
Go to customer reviews(42)
  • Sensing range 2...200 mm
  • Red light
  • with background suppression
  • Light-on/dark-on mode programmable
64.32
60.78
36 in stock!
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Retro-reflective sensor with PA housing
AO025Retro-reflective sensor with PA housing
Go to customer reviews(32)
  • Sensing range 0.05...5 m
  • Red light
  • with polarisation filter
  • Light-on/dark-on mode programmable
56.13
53.04
28 in stock!
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Through-beam sensor with PA housing
AO026Through-beam sensor with PA housing
Go to customer reviews(7)
  • Receiver (transmitter: AO027)
  • Sensing range 10 m
  • Red light
  • Light-on/dark-on mode programmable
35.75
33.78

Optical measurement technology – (almost) all in using photoelectric sensors

Photoelectric sensors are used for exact position detection of objects and for reliable detection of objects in the ongoing process. In all cases in which the exact position of elements needs to be detected reliably and non-contacting, photoelectric sensors ensure the degree of reliability as is expected in automation technology. But which sensor is appropriate for your application? What are the differences and advantages and disadvantages of the various measuring processes? Get an overview of the optical position sensors and find the right sensor.

How photoelectric sensors work

Basically speaking, all photoelectric sensors in industrial environments work according to the same functional principle. Light (whether laser or red light is irrelevant at this point) is emitted by an emitting element and detected by a receiving element. The transmitter and receiver elements are usually located in the same component, the sensor head. When an object is detected, the sensor either issues a switching signal or a distance value.
 

Types of photoelectric sensors

Generally, photoelectric sensors can be divided into the following four sensor groups:
  • Diffuse reflection sensor
  • Retro-reflective sensors
  • Through beam sensors
  • Laser distance sensors
  • Photoelectric fork sensors
  • Colour sensors
  • Contrast sensors

 

 

Difference between light barrier, light scanner and distance sensor

Light scanners and light barriers are used for the detection of objects. They issue a switching signal if presence of a product is detected in the detection range. By contrast, distance sensors measure the distance to an object and deliver an analogue signal.

With a light barrier the receiver is permanently irradiated by the transmitter. If the light barrier is blocked by an element, the light barrier issues a switching signal. The system switches if the receiver does not detect light from the transmitter. This means that a light barrier is dark switching.

A light scanner works exactly opposite to the way a light barrier does. The transmitter emits a light signal without a ‘specific target’. If the light hits an object, it is reflected at the surface. The receiver unit detects the reflected light and outputs a switching signal. This procedure is referred to as light switching.

The designations light or dark switching are related to the terms NO and NC from sensor technology. They are predominantly used for optical sensor systems. Learn more about normally closed and normally open contacts here. autosen also offers photoelectric sensors the switching function of which can be programmed (light or dark switching). The sensors can also be used as NO or NC contacts.

 
Light bulb
The light beam of light barriers is interrupted by the object, therefore they are dark switching. Light scanners transmit a signal which is reflected by an object, therefore they are light switching.
 

Comparison of optoelectronic systems

 

Photoelectric sensors: Advantages and disadvantages

 

Selecting the appropriate photoelectric sensor

In this section you will learn how to select the appropriate sensor for your application, which criteria are relevant, and what stands for or against the individual types of optical proximity sensors.
 

Photoelectric sensor vs. laser: Sensor with red light, infrared light or laser light?

Red light, infrared light or laser light? Where are the differences, advantages and areas of application?

Red light offers easy alignment of the optoelectronic sensor as the light spot is relatively large and easy to detect. Retro-reflective sensors with red light are easy to install as they need not be aligned ultra precisely thanks to their great cone of light.

Infrared light is invisible to the naked eye, as the wavelengths of infrared light are not within the visible spectrum. This makes alignment of the sensors more difficult. The great advantage of infrared light is that dark and black surfaces can also be detected with large ranges.

Sensors from autosen using laser light for measuring emit the laser beam in bundled and very short pulses. This results in high laser intensity and large ranges. Due to its small diameter, the focused laser spot is particularly suitable for detection small objects such as threads.

 

Which photoelectric sensor is the right one for your application?

Diffuse reflection sensors, retro-reflective sensors and through beam sensors detect objects reliably and provide a binary switching signal. Laser distance sensors precisely measure the distance and output the distance value as an analogue signal. Additional advantages are:
 

Diffuse reflection sensors:

Space saving and easy to install, as the transmitter and receiver are located in one device. Problematic when used with poorly reflecting surfaces. Background suppression is necessary if the emitted light is reflected behind the measuring range.

Retro-reflective sensor:

The range is independent of the object and the measuring principle works with both opaque and reflective surfaces. A reflector is required.

 

Through beam sensor:

Similar advantages as for the retro-reflective sensor, has greater ranges and is less sensitive to interferences under aggravated conditions, e.g. dust-laden air. Elaborate installation, as the transmitter and receiver require a voltage supply.

Photoelectric fork sensors:

Small range with very good sensing of small products regardless of the degree of reflection and colour. Simple installation as transmitter and receiver are located in a compact housing.

 

Laser distance sensors:

The high intensity of the light beam enables distance measurements over a large range. The focused laser beam enables the reliable detection of very small objects.

Colour sensors:

Reliably detects colour shades of objects and is also used for detection, sorting and control of objects by their colour, and also in fast processes with great numbers of items.

 

Contrast sensors:

Detects grayscales with the aid of red, green and blue light and detects pressure marks and contrasts as well as the smallest differences in brightness for grayscales and colours.

 
Light bulb
Diffuse reflection sensors, retro-reflective sensors and through beam sensors detect objects reliably and provide a binary switching signal. Laser distance sensors precisely measure the distance and output the distance value as an analogue signal.
 

Red light, infrared light or laser light? – You decide!

We offer our optical diffuse reflection sensors, retro-reflective sensors and through beam sensors as red light, infrared light and laser variants. We provide the full-scale portfolio. Utilise the benefits of the different optoelectronic sensor systems. Distance measurement is available in the laser version only.

Stainless steel or plastic housing? – You decide!

Our new, ultra-compact photoelectric sensors are now available with two particularly advantageous housing materials: with an ultra-compact stainless steel housing featuring protection rating classes IP65, IP67, IP68 and IP69k for application in wet zones, or as an extremely robust plastic version for use in demanding standard applications.

 

Photoelectric level sensors

Level measuring using photoelectric sensors

The photoelectric sensors are suitable also for measurement of continuous levels (for example AL001-004). They detect great distances up to 10m without contacting the medium and are appropriate for level measuring of opaque liquids and bulk materials.