A typical U-shaped fiber optic sensor has a fiber length of 1 meter, a bending radius of 25 mm, and an effective detection distance of 12 mm.

Key Physical Specifications

• Fiber Length: Most U-shaped fiber optic sensors, such as the ATO slotted type, come with a 1-meter fiber .
• Bending Radius: The minimum bending radius is typically R25 (25 mm), allowing the fiber to form a U-shape without damaging the core .
• Detection Distance: The effective detection distance for standard industrial U-shaped sensors is around 12 mm, suitable for precise object detection in production lines, chemical, and textile industries .
• Material: The sensor body is often made of aviation aluminum, and the fiber cores are imported for high light conductivity and bending resistance .
• Installation: U-shaped sensors integrate the beam-emitting and beam-receiving parts, eliminating the need for beam axis alignment, which simplifies installation in compact or high-temperature environments .

Specialized Variants

• High-Sensitivity SPR Sensors: U-shaped optical fiber sensors coated with indium tin oxide (ITO) are designed for surface plasmon resonance applications. While their exact physical dimensions may vary, the U-shaped structure is optimized for evanescent wave interaction, enhancing sensitivity without significantly altering the fiber length or bending radius .
• High-Temperature Applications: Some U-shaped fiber heads, like Panasonic's FT-PK40H1, are designed to withstand temperatures up to 100°C, with compact U-shaped configurations that facilitate installation in harsh environments .

Summary

In general, a standard U-shaped fiber optic sensor has a 1-meter fiber, a 25 mm bending radius, and a 12 mm detection distance, with a robust construction suitable for industrial applications. Variants exist for high-sensitivity or high-temperature environments, but the U-shaped design consistently allows easy installation and precise detection.