Abstract: An optical sensor having a light source (3) and a structured front plate (11), which expands the focused light beam (9) of the light source (3) at least in one direction. In one advantageous construction, the structure includes an array with several cylindrical lenses (11). They are preferably constructed by hot stamping the surface the front plate (11). The expanded light beam (9) is suitable, in particular, for detecting narrow objects (1) or edges. The light source (3) and the front plate (11) are each aligned relative to the sensor housing (12).

Abstract: An optical sensor having a light source (3) and a structured front plate (11), which expands the focused light beam (9) of the light source (3) at least in one direction. In one advantageous construction, the structure includes an array with several cylindrical lenses (11). They are preferably constructed by hot stamping the surface the front plate (11). The expanded light beam (9) is suitable, in particular, for detecting narrow objects (1) or edges. The light source (3) and the front plate (11) are each aligned relative to the sensor housing (12).

Abstract: An optical sensor (1) having a light source (3) and a device for homogenizing the light beam (9) generated by the light source (3) is provided. Several optical elements with different focal distances cause a homogenization of the light beam (9) in its propagation direction. For homogenizing the light beam (9) perpendicular to its propagation direction, several optical elements are used with alternating focal lengths or widths arranged one next to the other. These are preferably constructed as an array on a front plate.

Abstract: For the detection of—or for the determination of the position of edges (K) of objects (G), a light source/sensor device arrangement in the manner of a light barrier is utilized, in which the light beam generated by the light source (12) is focussed to a light line (10) in an object plane (O). Foreseen furthermore are devices for the generation of a relative movement between the light beam and edges (K) to be detected or objects (G), in such a manner, that edges (K) to be detected are moved in the object plane (O) and in doing so are aligned parallel to the light line (10). In particular for the detection of edges (K) of transparent objects (G), sensor devices (11.1-11.3) in a receiving zone (B) are equipped in such a manner, that they measure not only light intensities in the area of the axis (A) of the light beam, but also intensities of light, which is deflected from the light beam by an edge (K) in the object plane (O) positioned transverse to the light line (10).

Abstract: A laminated structure for retroreflection of light has a first, phase-modifying layer (1) and a second, retroreflecting layer (2). Retroreflection can be achieved with glass balls (21.1, 21.2, etc.) having back surfaces (23) metallized with a metal coating (24). The first layer (1) and the second layer (2) are interconnected by a first adhesive coating (3). On a first traversal of the first layer (1), the polarization of an incident light beam (8) is modified and the light beam is then retroreflected. When passing through the first layer a second time, the polarization state is changed again. The structure has high reflectivity even when tilted, a controllable, stable polarization change and locally homogeneous reflectivity.

Abstract: In an edge detector process, a working plane (A) is scanned by a focussed light beam, e.g. a laser beam emitted by a light source (L) projected at an angle of typically 40.degree. to 45.degree. from the working plane. A first and a second detector (D1, D2) receive the scattered light from the working plane. The first detector (D1) is positioned behind a focussing imaging optics (0), such as an off-axis parabolic mirror, which is arranged coaxially, i.e. all round the laser beam, or is positioned below the emitted light beam relative to a main working plane (H). The second detector (D2) is positioned approximately over the light spot produced by the emitted light on the main working surface. The stray light measured by the first detector (D1) is therefore received at an angle to the main working plane, which is equal to or smaller than the angle between the emitted light and said plane.