Laser measuring sensors - principle of operation, characteristic features and typical applications About the Author See also SUBSCRIPTION

Laser sensors - characteristics: • error-free detection of even the smallest objects, • simple and quick adjustment - easy alignment with visible red light, easy setting of the switching point with a button, • possible sensitivity adjustment, • high measurement resolution. • small linear deviations, • fast response time, • easy assembly, • possibility of using it for special tasks.

Principle of operation: laser triangulation method

The principle of operation of laser optical sensors is based on the so-called laser triangulation method, which uses the projection of a laser beam. In every optical sensor, and therefore in a laser sensor, the most important elements are the transmitter, i.e. in this case a source of laser light (point or in the form of a line), and the receiver. The laser beam emitted by the transmitter passes through the optical system and is directed towards the target object, which is the subject of measurement. Then, the laser beam is reflected from the tested object and captured by a photosensitive receiver (CMOS or CCD detector).

Laser sensors - application

Although the basic application of laser sensors is to measure the distance, height and width of objects, they are used in industrial practice in a much wider range. An example here may be the measurement of detail deflection or its thickness. In addition to distance measurement, they are used, for example, to detect the presence of objects (e.g. on a production line) or to detect their specific features. Therefore, laser measuring sensors are a great tool for product quality control, but also for the correct positioning of the element (e.g. in the machining process).

Typical areas of application for laser sensors are also all kinds of processes related to testing and control, monitoring or research and development activities.

A huge group of potential applications for this type of sensors can also be found outside of industrial production. A great example is the so-called LiDAR. However, such examples can be multiplied almost endlessly and it seems that the future will belong to laser measuring sensors. Wherever a very precise and fast measurement is required, these devices currently seem to be the optimal solution.