Optical techniques have always been used for a large number of automotive, metrological and sensing applications. Fiber- and integrated- optics technologies were primarily developed for telecommunication applications. However, the advances in the development of high quality and competitive price opto-electronic components and fibers have largely contributed to the expansion of guided wave technology for sensing as well.
What is Opto-Electronics?
It is the branch of electronics dealing with devices that generate, transform, transmit, or sense optical, infrared or ultraviolet radiation, as solar cells and lasers.
Optoelectronic devices are used to activate or deactivate an electronic circuit based on the intensity of light. Besides this general purpose, optoelectronics devices are used in telecommunication, surveillance systems, capturing solar energy etc. Solid state optoelectronic components are used as sensors for detecting visible light, Laser Infrared rays, Ultraviolet rays etc.
What is Opto-Electronic Sensor?
An opto-electronic sensor is a device that is capable of producing an electrical signal that is proportional to the amount of light incident on the active area of the device.
Integrated optoelectronic sensors are designed to recognize fundamental stimuli such as patterns, images, motion and intensity and colour.
Types of Opto-electronic Sensors:
| Optoelectronic Sensor Type | Description |
| Light to voltage converters | Convert linear output voltage proportional to light intensity |
| Light to frequency converters | Convert light intensity to digital format for direct connection to microcontroller or Digital signal processor |
| Ambient light sensors | Measure what the human eye sees |
| Linear sensor arrays | Measure spatial relationships and light intensity |
| Colour sensors | RGB filtered sensors for colour discrimination, determination and measurement |
| Reflective light sensors | Convert reflective light intensity to voltage output |
