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Fiber optics Technical information
41
Using fiber optic sensors The main advantage of fiber optics is that they are small. This means that they
can be mounted in places where other sensors couldn't fit.
As the sensor heads are extremely compact, they are ideal for the stable detec-
tion of small objects. As a result of the less light that is emitted they generally do
have smaller ranges than conventional photoelectric sensors.
Fiber optic sensor heads can be used in areas that standard sensors are
unable to go, for instance hazardous areas, This is because no electric current
flows through them. This also means they are totally unaffected by electrical
noise (provided the amplifier is suitably positioned).
By using glass fibers instead of plastic they can be used in areas of up to 350°C.
Extremely small objects can be detected with a diffuse coaxial sensor and addi-
tional focal lens. Using these, objects as small as 100 µm can be detected.
Item
Partition
Target object
Seal
NON-CRITICAL
AREA
HAZARDOUS AREA
Lens
(E39-F3A-5)
Fiber unit
(E32-C41)
Insertion