Technology of Fiber-Optic Sensors

Fiber-optic cables must be aligned precisely to the target for reliable object detection. Especially when using the through-beam principle, the emitter and receiver should be positioned axially as closely as possible to each other. Since the amplifier or analysis module is often installed in the control cabinet or outside the field of vision, the setup is often based on the operator’s view and assessment. The alignment mode visualizes the signal strength by pulsing the transmitting light. Similar to parking sensors in the car, the pulse frequency increases the stronger the signal received. The sensor head is adjusted in its angle and axis until the optimal alignment with the maximum signal is achieved. This enables efficient and precise setup even with greater distances between the emitter and receiver.