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Laser sensors are special sensors that use laser beams to detect and measure various physical quantities such as distance, speed, shape, position or surface properties.

They use the properties of the light emitted by a laser to perform precise and fast measurements. Here is a detailed explanation of how they work and the different types of laser sensors:

How laser sensors work

A laser sensor emits a focused beam of light (laser) in the direction of an object. Depending on the type of sensor and the application, either the reflected light or the time it takes for the light to return (transit time) is measured. From these measurements, the sensor can calculate precise information about the distance or other relevant parameters.

Important functional principles

1. Triangulation: In triangulation, a laser beam is directed at an object and the reflected beam is picked up by a detector at a specific angle. The sensor then calculates the distance based on the angle and position of the reflected beam. This method is particularly suitable for short distances and is often used in robotics and industrial automation.

2. Time-of-flight (ToF) measurement: Here, the laser sensor measures the time it takes for the light to travel from the sensor to the object and back again. As light propagates at a constant speed, the sensor can calculate the distance based on this time. This method is often used for longer distances, e.g. in LIDAR systems (Light Detection and Ranging).

3. Phase shift measurement: The laser beam is modulated (e.g. its frequency is changed) and directed at the object. By analyzing the phase shift between the transmitted and reflected signal, the distance can be calculated. This method is used for particularly precise measurements.

Types of laser sensors

1. Distance sensors: These sensors measure the distance between the sensor and an object. They are used in areas such as robot navigation, level measurement and 3D scanners.

2. Laser scanners (LIDAR): LIDAR sensors scan the environment by sending laser pulses in different directions and analyzing the reflected signals. These sensors are often used in autonomous vehicles and drones to create 3D maps of the environment.

3. Speed sensors: These sensors use the Doppler principle to measure the speed of a moving object. They are used in traffic monitoring or industrial applications for monitoring conveyor belts or machines.

4. Laser micrometers: These are sensors that can precisely measure very small distances or objects using a thin laser beam. They are used in quality control and the inspection of micro-components.

Advantages of laser sensors

• High accuracy: Laser sensors enable extremely precise measurements, often in the micrometer range.
• Long range: Some laser sensors can measure distances of several hundred meters.
• Fast response time: They are able to take measurements in real time, making them ideal for applications where quick decisions are required.
• Versatility: They can be used in a variety of environments, both indoors and outdoors, and are often insensitive to difficult lighting conditions.

Areas of application

• Autonomous vehicles: LIDAR sensors are crucial for environment detection in self-driving cars.
• Industrial automation: Laser sensors are used in production processes to measure distances, positions or to inspect surfaces.
• Medical devices: High-precision laser sensors are used in medical imaging, for example in eye surgery.
• Robotics: Robots use laser sensors for navigation and obstacle detection.

Laser sensors therefore offer a precise, fast and versatile solution for many technical challenges.