On Semiconductor Optical Switches, Reflective, Phototransistor Output
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Optical switches are devices used to detect the presence of an object. They utilise various technologies to detect the presence of objects, including infrared, ultraviolet radiation, as well as light scattering.
Reflective optical switches are one of the more commonly used technologies. These devices send out an infrared light beam and measure the angle of incidence of the light that is reflected back. This angle is used to determine the presence of a nearby object.
Phototransistor outputs are another type of optical switch. This device contains a light sensitive transistor that generates an electrical signal when it is exposed to light. The amount and type of light that it is exposed to is used to determine the presence of an object. Phototransistor outputs also have a slower response time, so they are best used in applications that require a slower detection of objects.