Smallest fibre optic sensor in the world says Contrinex

When sensing very small objects the beam size and spread of emitted light often detects unwanted targets but these new micro fibre tips pin-point the exact area to be sensed. In addition, the sensing geometry of the fibre tip focuses the projected detection beam so that it remains almost parallel as it emits from the tip thus preventing interference from nearby fittings and adjacent components ensuring only the required target is precisely captured.

Concentrating the beam in this way ensures a very long sensing range for their size of 40mm. This enables good working clearances to be achieved within a system set-up to prevent collision damage and ensuring reliable operation.

Small components being handled at speed can be particularly difficult to detect but as these new micro fibres are designed to connect to a 5KHz amplifier, the response time of 0.2ms ensures accurate detection of all product sizes at high speeds.

The tips of the fibres are made from stainless steel and they are sealed to IP67 for use in aggressive environments. Operating temperature range is -25°C to +70°C and the fibres are supplied in 2m lengths but can be cut to any length to suit the installation.