How to Use Fiber Optic Sensors to Identify Black and White Materials

Fiber optic sensors are sensors that use optical signals to detect target materials. They rely on reflection, refraction, and scattering at the material surface; by measuring changes in signal intensity, frequency, and phase, they can identify and detect targets. Fiber optic sensors have broad applications in industrial automation, environmental monitoring, and medical diagnostics. This article explains how to use fiber optic sensors to identify black and white materials.

1. Principle and features of fiber optic sensors

Fiber optic sensors use optical fibers as signal transmission media; interactions with target materials produce reflection, refraction, and scattering. These effects change the signal intensity, frequency, and phase in the fiber, enabling detection and recognition.

Compared with other sensors, fiber optic sensors have these features:

1. High sensitivity: they detect very small signal changes;

2. High resolution: they can measure position, shape, and features with precision;

3. Long-range transmission: signals travel long distances without electromagnetic interference;

4. Strong anti-interference: suitable for complex environments.

2. Principle of identifying black and white materials

Fiber optic sensors can distinguish black and white materials by measuring reflected signal intensity and reflectivity.

1. Measure signal intensity

Black materials absorb most incident light and reflect little, while white materials have higher reflectivity. Measuring reflected intensity enables differentiation.

2. Measure reflectivity

Reflectivity relates to material color: black materials have low reflectivity; white materials have high reflectivity. By measuring reflected light intensity at the surface, material color can be determined.

Common fiber optic sensors include reflective and transmissive types: reflective sensors measure surface-reflected light; transmissive sensors transmit light through a material and measure received light at the opposite port.

With intelligent manufacturing and Industry 4.0, fiber optic sensors will see wider adoption in automated production lines and logistics. They will also expand in food processing as quality and safety demands increase.