Light sensors (or reflex sensors) work in Reflection principleThe sensor has an integrated light source whose light is reflected as soon as an object enters the light cone. If the intensity of the reflected light exceeds the set threshold, the light sensor triggers a switching operation. The sensors only evaluate the light itself; external light is not taken into account. The advantage: The products from Sensory Austria They are very robust and achieve long sensing ranges. This makes them suitable for a wide range of applications. Light sensors offer various options for monitoring the contamination of the sensor optics – using an alarm signal or an analog intensity signal.
Special versions can also be supplied with a heating module (for outdoor applications) or with an air purge tube (for maximum service life in high contamination conditions).

In contrast to light sensors, light barriers work in Transmitted light principle: The transmitter and receiver are each installed in their own housing and positioned opposite each other, covering both sides of the area to be detected. In the initial state, the light is sent directly from the transmitter to the receiver, forming the eponymous "light barrier." If an object enters the detection area, the light beam is interrupted, triggering the switching process. High-performance light barriers from Sensorik Austria are extremely robust and can be used even in demanding applications. Aligning the light barriers is extremely simple and requires no optical aids. Reliable operation is guaranteed even with an offset of several degrees.
Light barriers can also be supplied with a heating module (for outdoor applications) or with an air purge tube (for maximum service life in high levels of contamination).