Photo Interrupters

Photo interrupters are also known by several other names: photo sensor, photogate, a photodiode or a phototransistor. Essentially, a photo interrupter is a sensor that features two infrared emitters on each of its uprights, one of the infrareds is shielded. As a beam of infrared light is transmitted between the uprights, the photo interrupter detects when an object passes through, breaking the beam. Photo Interrupters are available in an extensive range of configurations, but they generally fall into two main types. Insertion photo interrupters integrate optical transmission and reception elements. Dual mould versions are more compact. Photo interrupters have a vast range of uses in domestic and industrial applications, from optical light switches to dispensing applications. Many applications that benefit from proximity detection use photo interrupters.