optical sensor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "optical sensor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a device that detects light or changes in light levels, often used in various technologies such as cameras, security systems, or automation. Example: "The new security system features an advanced optical sensor that can detect motion even in low light conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Displacement was monitored using an optical sensor with submicrometer sensitivity.

Nature

The glow is detectable by an optical sensor.

MIT Technology Review

Dirt or dust on the DVD drive's optical sensor can cause problems.

The New York Times - Tech

The optical sensor gives off a red glow as it scans your finger.

The New York Times - Tech

An optical sensor in the pen captures the pattern of the pen strokes by taking 50 snapshots a second.

The New York Times - Tech

This pattern can then be read back by an optical sensor inside a CD drive or player.

The New York Times - Tech

Single nanobeam optical sensor with a high Q-factor and high sensitivity.

Nature

Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI): Communication protocol between optical sensor array and MCU.

Cornell University

This project focused on developing an optical sensor that would rapidly detect any current overloads.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Used for packaging decoded musical notes from optical sensor for synthesis.

Cornell University

The smartwatch has a built-in heart rate sensor, but instead of being an optical sensor it uses a capacitive one.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the function of an "optical sensor", specify the type of light it detects (e.g., visible light, infrared) for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "optical sensor" as a catch-all term for all light-detecting devices. Be specific about the technology and application, especially when precision is needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "optical sensor" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific type of device. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

59%

News & Media

25%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "optical sensor" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that identifies a device for detecting light. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is correct and appears most commonly in scientific and technical contexts. When using this phrase, it is beneficial to specify the type of light being detected to enhance clarity. While versatile, be specific rather than general. Alternatives such as "light detector", "photoelectric sensor", and "light-sensitive sensor" can provide more specific detail depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

light detector

Focuses on the detection aspect of light, rather than the broader sensing capability.

photoelectric sensor

Specifies the use of photoelectric effect in sensing light.

light-sensitive sensor

Emphasizes the sensor's sensitivity to light.

photodetector

A more technical term emphasizing the detection of photons.

image sensor

Specifically refers to sensors used for capturing images.

optical transducer

Highlights the conversion of light into another form of energy or signal.

visible light sensor

Narrows down the spectrum of light detected to the visible range.

infrared sensor

Detects infrared light rather than visible light.

ultraviolet sensor

Detects ultraviolet light rather than visible light.

fiber optic sensor

Implies that the sensor uses fiber optics technology.

FAQs

How is an "optical sensor" used in a sentence?

An "optical sensor" can be used to describe a device that detects light, for example: "The camera uses an advanced "optical sensor" to capture high-resolution images."

What is another way to say "optical sensor"?

Alternatives to "optical sensor" include "light detector", "photoelectric sensor", or "light-sensitive sensor", depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between a "light sensor" and an "optical sensor"?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, an "optical sensor" might imply a more sophisticated or specialized light detection system compared to a general "light sensor".

In what applications is an "optical sensor" commonly found?

"Optical sensors" are found in a wide range of applications, including cameras, barcode scanners, medical devices, and industrial automation systems.