Abstract: The invention relates to a light sensor comprising a light transmitter for transmitting a light signal (T.sub.x, T.sub.xd) into a region to be monitored, a light receiver for receiving a reflected light signal (R.sub.x) from an object present in the monitored region, at least one signal generator for producing a first signal (T.sub.x) to energize the light transmitter and also for producing a second signal (L.sub.0) standing in a defined phase relationship to the first signal (T.sub.x), but with a different signal shape in comparison to the first signal (T.sub.x), and also a correlation stage for producing the correlation function (KKF) between the received light signal (R.sub.x) and the second signal (L.sub.0, L.sub.0d) as well as an evaluation stage following the correlation stage for determining information related to the distance between the light sensor and the object.