Sensor Fiber Optic Tube

Fiber optic tubes guide light between a sensor and the target, enabling precise detection in compact or harsh environments.

Overview

A fiber optic sensor system typically consists of a sensor (with a light source and receiver) and one or more fiber optic tubes that transmit light to and from the target object. The sensor emits light, which travels through the fiber optic tube to the object. Reflected or interrupted light is then returned through the fiber to the sensor, allowing detection of object presence, position, or properties.

Types of Fiber Optic Tubes

Plastic Fiber Optic Tubes

Made from materials like PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate)Lightweight, flexible, and bendable, suitable for tight spaces and dynamic bending applicationsEconomical and ideal for visible light transmissionCan handle small bending radii, sometimes as low as 1 mm Glass Fiber Optic TubesMade from high-purity quartz glassLow signal attenuation, allowing long-distance light transmissionCan transmit visible, infrared, and ultraviolet lightHighly resistant to heat, chemicals, moisture, and UV radiation, suitable for harsh environments with temperatures over 200°C ApplicationsFiber optic tubes are used in scenarios where conventional sensors are too large or inflexible: Small part detection and positioningRobotics and automated assemblyHarsh industrial environments with oil, chemicals, or extreme temperaturesTight or confined spaces where direct sensor mounting is impractical Sensor IntegrationFiber optic tubes connect to a sensor amplifier, which contains the light source and processing electronics.

The tubes themselves carry no electronics, making them ideal for environments with high vibration, temperature extremes, or corrosive substances. Various tube shapes and heads (straight, angled, bendable, cylindrical, or square) allow precise light delivery and detection even in complex geometries.

Advanced Fiber Optic Sensing

Some systems, like Sensuron's optical fiber sensors, use fiber optic tubes for distributed sensing, measuring strain, temperature, deflection, or shape along the entire fiber length. These systems can monitor thousands of points simultaneously, providing high-resolution, real-time data for structural or material analysis. Fiber optic tubes are therefore a versatile component in both standard object detection and advanced sensing applications, offering flexibility, durability, and precision.