Temperature sensor boasts small spot size and rapid response

Launched at the 2007 Hanover Fair exhibition in Germany, the Optris CT Laser Series of non-contact, infrared temperature sensors combine the accuracy of 75:1 infrared optics (claimed to be the highest ratio currently on the market for this type of sensor) with small spot sizes, low temperature measurement and precision aiming. In fact, so innovative is the sensor, that it was awarded the Industrial Innovation Prize from the German Mittlestand Initiative 2007, beating more than 300 other industrial products from Germany into.

Ulrich Kienitz, Managing Director of Micro-Epsilon's Optris division, comments: "We are delighted to have been awarded the innovation prize, particularly when there were more than 300 other industrial companies entering the competition. The CT Laser Series really is quite special and unique from other products out there. First, the small spot size is made possible by a patented, high accuracy, double laser crosshairs system and 75:1 optics that enables temperature measurements down to –40degC and as high as 975degC."

See the spot size and location

The double laser aiming marks the real spot size and location at any distance, without the need for mechanical choppers. The 75:1 optics with selectable focus generates small spot sizes at distances between 70mm and 1260mm. For example, the spot size is 0.9mm at 70mm, or 1.9mm at 150mm.

Kienitz continues: "Second, as always with Optris products, customers will be very impressed with the price/performance ratio of the sensor. The CT Laser F [Fast version] operates on an exposure time constant of just 9ms, and so is ideal for high-speed production environments, where the user needs to scan or detect hot spots on fast-moving objects. The nearest competing sensor product that we are aware of operates at 60ms."

According to Micro-Epsilon, the CT Laser really represents a step change in the development of non-contact temperature sensors. The company says 75:1 laser optics on the sensor is an industry first, with the nearest competing product offering 70:1 optics. In addition, the CT Laser can operate in ambient temperatures of up to 85degC without cooling, which is around 35degC higher than competing products currently on the market.

Benefits for machine builders

Available for less than £555 for a standard unit, the CT Laser Series should prove very popular with machine builders, OEMs and systems integrators. Chris Jones, Managing Director at Micro-Epsilon UK, comments: "To date, end users and machine builders requiring small spot sizes at low temperatures have had to put up with the classical pyrometer restrictions such as choppering of signals, large-size detectors and longer response times. The new CT Laser uses new, super-sensitive detectors, bringing these challenges under control at a favourable price/performance ratio. The connectivity and range of interface options available on the CT Laser are also second-to-none."

The range of optional interfaces available includes a Profibus DP interface, USB, RS232, RS485 and CANbus. The CT Laser range features selectable analogue outputs of 0/4-20mA, 0-5/10V, and thermocouple type K or J as standard.