Two-dimensional optical position sensor

E. Burstein; Aryeh M. Weiss

doi:10.1117/12.211203

6 June 1995 Two-dimensional optical position sensor

E. Burstein, Aryeh M. Weiss

Proceedings Volume 2426, 9th Meeting on Optical Engineering in Israel; (1995) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.211203
Event: Optical Engineering in Israel: 9th Meeting, 1994, Tel-Aviv, Israel

Abstract

A novel two dimensional optical position sensor based on confinement of luminescence within a flat panel is described. The basis of the sensor is a flat luminescent panel, such as those used in luminescent solar energy concentrators. In these concentrators, a glass or plastic plate is either coated or impregnated with a fluorescent material. The incident radiation produces luminescent emission, much of which is confined within the plate through total internal reflection, and is thus guided to solar cells which line the thin edges of the plate. In order to use such a plate as a position sensor, four detectors are placed along two orthogonal axes at the edges of the plate, and the plate is illuminated with a spot of light. The spot of light induces luminescence, which is detected by the four detectors. The detectors' output is processed to provide position information. Position sensors based on the above idea were constructed, using both microscope slides coated with a fluorescent dye, and poly(methyl methacrylate) plates which were cast in the presence of a fluorescent dye so that they exhibited fluorescence throughout their volume. The results showed that the detector output varied monotonically with position. This paper presents the results obtained to date, together with a theory which relates the detector output to position. Suggestions for the improvement of the sensor, particularly in the areas of materials processing and sensor geometry, are provided.

Citation Download Citation

E. Burstein and Aryeh M. Weiss "Two-dimensional optical position sensor", Proc. SPIE 2426, 9th Meeting on Optical Engineering in Israel, (6 June 1995); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.211203

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available