Optical Sensors: Technology and Applications

Optical sensors are devices that are used to convert light rays into electronic signals. It measures the physical quantity of light and translates it into a form that is read by the instrument. It primarily measures the changes from one or more beam lights that are based around alternations to the intensity of the light. Optical sensors are used for contact-less detection and counting or positioning of parts. There are various types of optical sensors, the most common of them include photoconductive devices, photovoltaic cell and the photodiodes. Photoconductive optical devices are used to measure the resistance by converting a change of incident light into a change of resistance. Photovoltaic cells are used to convert an amount of incident light into an output voltage. The photodiodes convert an amount of incident light into an output current. This book discusses the fundamentals as well as modern approaches of optical sensors. It strives to provide a fair idea about this discipline and to help develop a better understanding of the latest advances within this field. Those in search of information to further their knowledge will be greatly assisted by this book.