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Description 24 Manufacturers 2 Products
Token Electronics Industry Co., Ltd.
Teledyne Judson Technologies
SICK AG
SensoPart Inc.
SENSATEC Co., Ltd.
Sen Tech Co., Ltd.
Rockwell Automation
Pepperl+Fuchs Inc.
OPTIKA S.r.l.
Optex Fee
Omron Microscan
Omron

24 Photoelectric Element Manufacturers in 2024

This section provides an overview for photoelectric elements as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 24 photoelectric element manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked photoelectric element companies as of November, 2024: 1.E-Motion, Inc., 2.Agiltron Inc., 3.SENSATEC Co., Ltd..

Table of Contents

Categories Related to Photoelectric Elements

Optical Sensors
Photoelectric Sensors

What Is a Photoelectric Element?

Photoelectric Elements

A photoelectric element is the general term for electronic elements responsible for the conversion between light energy and electrical energy.

Broadly speaking, there are light emitting elements that convert electrical signals into optical signals and light receiving elements that convert optical signals into electrical signals. Light-emitting elements emit light when an electric current is applied, and light-emitting diodes are a typical example.

Light-emitting diodes are typical examples. Light bulbs and fluorescent lamps also emit light when an electric current is applied, but light-emitting elements are limited to those using semiconductors and do not include them. Photodetectors receive light and generate an electric current, of which solar cells are an example.

Uses of Photoelectric Elements

Photoelectric elements are used in a great many devices in fields that utilize light. In the case of light emitting elements, light-emitting diodes can be used in the light emitting parts of lighting equipment, photo interrupters and other sensors as light sources for object detection, semiconductor lasers as signal light sources in the field of optical communications, and many other examples can be given of their use.

In addition to the solar cells mentioned above, examples of photodetectors include illuminance meters, exposure meters for cameras, pickups for CDs and DVDs, image sensors for photographic equipment, and sensors that detect reflected light from objects in photo interrupters.

Principle of Photoelectric Elements

The principle of a light emitter and a light receiver are very different.

1. Luminous Element

The basic structure of a light-emitting diode as a representative light-emitting device is a PN junction, which consists of a P-type semiconductor (with the majority of holes as carriers) and an N-type semiconductor (with the majority of electrons as carriers).

When a forward voltage is applied to a light-emitting diode, electrons and holes move through the light-emitting diode chip, causing an electric current to flow. When the electrons and holes collide during the transfer, they recombine, but in this state, the energy of the electrons and holes is less than the combined energy they originally possessed.

This reduced energy is converted into light and emitted outside the semiconductor. This is the principle of luminescence.

2. Light Receiving Element

Photodetectors are based on the photoelectric effect. The photoelectric effect refers to what occurs at the PN junction of the semiconductor. Even if both ends of the photodiode are shorted, an electric field is formed at the PN junction and a potential gradient is generated within it.

When light is irradiated in this electric field, its energy generates electrons and holes, but the potential gradient causes the electrons to move immediately. The stronger the light (the greater the number of photons) will produce a greater current.

Applying a reverse bias voltage to the PN junction widens the electric field, resulting in the generation of electrons and holes in a wider area. Also, since the slope of the potential becomes stronger, the carriers move faster and a faster response can be expected.

Types of Photoelectric Elements

Semiconductor elements classified as photoelectric elements include the following:

1. Luminous Element

Light-Emitting Diode
Many light-emitting diodes with different emission wavelengths from the near-infrared to visible regions have been commercialized, and demand for blue LEDs, in particular, is growing very rapidly as they are used in lighting fixtures. On the other hand, light-emitting diodes emitting near-infrared light are used as devices for optical communications.

Semiconductor Laser
It can emit light that is stronger and more coherent than ordinary LEDs. Familiar applications include laser pointers that take advantage of its linearity, and light sources for projectors that take advantage of its high luminous flux and single wavelength.

OLED (Electro Luminescence)
It is used for thin and lightweight displays such as TVs and viewfinders for photographic equipment.

2. Light Receiving Element

Photodiode
There are various applications, such as sensors for illuminance meters and other measuring instruments that measure the intensity of light, and sensors for detecting objects with light.

Phototransistor
It is a sensor with higher sensitivity than a photodiode because it receives light in the base region of the transistor and the current generated there can be amplified and extracted. It is mainly used in the light receiving part of photo interrupters.

Image Sensors
A sensor used to create image data by projecting an image onto numerous photodiodes arranged in a flat pattern. They are used in the imaging section of cameras that take still and moving images.

Although they are very large and expensive as semiconductor devices, they have become widely used, replacing the imaging tubes and photographic films that were once used.

List of 24 Photoelectric Element Manufacturers

*Including some distributors, etc.

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    • Agiltron Inc.
      • United States of America Address: 15 Presidential Way, Woburn, Massachusetts, United States of America

      Manufacturer Overview

      Agiltron Inc., founded in 2001 and headquartered in Woburn, Massachusetts, is a manufacturer and developer of premium optical and photonic components and systems for communications, sensing, and instrumentation. The company is an ISO 9001 certified optical systems producer with a team of scientists and engineers, and well-equipped modern facilities. It serves markets with both standard products and customer-driven special product development. Its products are based on optical, micromechanical, and electro-optic systems, in combination with its competencies in manufacturing, imaging systems, and infrared photonics.

    • Teledyne Judson Technologies
      • United States of America Address: 221 Commerce Drive, Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania, United States of America

      Manufacturer Overview

      Established in 1969 as Judson Infrared, Inc. in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, later renamed Teledyne Judson Technologies (TJT), TJT is a manufacturer of single and multi-element infrared detectors. As part of the Teledyne Scientific Imaging group, TJT is involved in the manufacturing of both single-element and multi-element infrared detectors. These detectors are capable of sensing infrared (IR) radiation across various wavelengths, ranging from the visible to the very long wavelength infrared (VLWIR) spectrum. With over five decades of experience, the company has the largest market share in the industry of infrared detector solutions.

    • SICK AG
      • United States of America Address: 6900 W 110th St, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America

      Manufacturer Overview

      Sick AG, founded in 1946 and headquartered in Waldkirch, Germany, is a manufacturer of sensor and sensor solutions that aid in in production, logistics, and processes automation. The company’s expansive product portfolio includes industrial sensors, encoders, and analyzers. It has over 50 subsidiaries and equity investments as well as several agencies worldwide, and in the 2022 fiscal year, it generated around €2.2 billion. The company established the first subsidiary in France in 1972 and opened another subsidiary in USA in 1975. It changed to a joint stock company in 1996 and the first employee shares were issued in 1999.

    • Omron Microscan
      • United States of America Address: 2895 Greenspoint Pkwy., Ste 200, Hoffman Estates, Illinois, United States of America

      Manufacturer Overview

      Omron Automation was originally established in 1933. Omron Automation is a producer and manufacturer for industrial automation solutions including robotics, sensing, motion, logic, and safety. Industries include automotive automation, electric vehicle manufacturing, food and beverage packaging, semiconductor and manufacturing electronics, life sciences automation, logistics & warehouse automation, machine tool, oil and gas, water and wastewater, entertainment, security and detention, and other industries. Some of Omron Automation’s product categories include machine automated controllers, RFID solutions, safety laser scanners, safety outputs, smart cameras, vision sensors, machine vision software, servo systems, articulated robots, parallel robots, SCARA robots, photoelectric sensors, and rotary encoders along with many software-based solutions.

    • Advance Electrical & Automation
      • United States of America Address: 18283 Pasadena St. Suite 103, Lake Elsinore, California, United States of America

      Manufacturer Overview

      Advance Electrical & Automation is a supplier and a manufacturer, a company specializing in providing electrical and automation solutions for industrial applications. Established in 2013, offering a wide range of products and services, including oil and gas, power generation, water treatment, and manufacturing. AEA's product includes electrical components such as transformers, circuit breakers, and control panels, as well as automation systems and software for process control and monitoring. One example of their product is the AEA-5000 series PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), it enables seamless integration and precise control in industrial applications, ensuring optimal performance and productivity.

    • Pepperl+Fuchs Inc.
      • United States of America Address: 1600 Enterprise Parkway, Twinsburg, Ohio, United States of America

      Manufacturer Overview

      Pepperl+Fuchs, Inc. was founded in Mannheim, Germany in 1945 developing the forerunner of the proximity switch. Pepperl+Fuchs continues to develop proximity sensors as well as other industrial sensors including ultrasonic sensors, rotary encoders, positioning systems, display and signal processing, vibration monitoring, industrial communication, and signal processing as well as related accessories and software. Explosive protection products include safety barriers, surge protection, wireless solutions, HMI systems, power supplies, electrical explosion protection equipment, level measurement, and related software.

    • ifm efector, inc.
      • United States of America Address: 1100 Atwater Dr., Malvern, Pennsylvania, United States of America

      Manufacturer Overview

      ifm efector (ifm) is a subsidiary of ifm electronic, founded in Germany in 1969. ifm has developed, manufactured and marketed sensors and controls technology to industries that include assembly and robotics, automotive, material handling, metal forming, mobile equipment, plastics, and food and beverage. Ifm produces sensors, condition monitoring equipment, image processing, safety technology, industrial communication, IO-link, systems for mobile machines, displays, software, connection technology, voltage supplies, as well as other accessories.

    • E-Motion, Inc.
      • United States of America Address: 3720 W 1st Ave, Eugene, Oregon, United States of America

      Distributor Overview

      E-Motion Inc. is a distributor for electric automation based in Eugene, Orgeon. The company is a distributor of many electric automation parts, with additional offerings in pneumatic, modular aluminum framing, and instrumentation products. The company’s two primary segments are electric actuators and pneumatic automation. The electric actuator segment includes rack and pinion linear actuators, rod type electric actuators, rodless actuators, actuator controls, and lift kits. The pneumatic automation segment includes standard air cylinders, rodless cylinders, guided cylinders, and rotary actuators.

    • Sen Tech Co., Ltd.
      • Taiwan Address: No.18-4, Ln. 852, Tucheng Rd., Dali Dist., Taichung City, Taiwan

      Manufacturer Overview

      Sen Tech Co., Ltd. a company established in 1994 and headquartered in Taichung City, Taiwan, is a manufacturer and supplier of NTC thermistors and photoconductive cell CdS. The company specializes in providing electronic components and devices for a wide range of industries. The company’s product portfolio includes interchangeable NTC thermistors, glass bead NTC thermistors, switches, and other electronic components. Their products are utilized in various applications, such as industrial automation, room light control, industrial controls, and consumer electronics. The company also provides customer services such as technical support, personalized assistance, and customized services.

    • Token Electronics Industry Co., Ltd.
      • Taiwan Address: No.137, Sec. 1, Zhongxing Rd., Wugu Dist., New Taipei City, Taiwan

      Manufacturer Overview

      Token Electronics Industry Co., Ltd., established in Taiwan in 1983, is a manufacturer of electronic components and automatic production systems for commercial and industrial clients worldwide. The company produces a wide range of resistors, inductors, light sensors, microwave components, and RF components. Token Electronics Industry Co., Ltd. offers its clients a complete custom design, testing, and manufacturing service. The company's main export markets include Africa, Asia, Oceania, LATAM, and North America.

    • iC-Haus GmbH
      • Germany Address: Am Kuemmerling 18, Bodenheim, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany

      Manufacturer Overview

      iC-Haus GmbH, established in 1984, is a German-based manufacturer of standard and customized integrated circuits (ICs), microsystems and system-on-chip solutions used in automotive, medical and industrial applications. The company’s integrated circuit product segment consists of I/O iCs, power management iCs, sensor iCs, safety light curtain iCs, and encoder iCs. They also offer laser diode and LED drivers used in industrial sensors, laser leveling, laser printers, laser pointers, and barcode scanners. iC-Haus has a Linear Functions iCs product line which is composed of ultra-fast comparators, four-quadrant multipliers, and OPAMPs used in demodulators, signal conditioners, measurement amplifiers, and voltage-controlled amplifiers.

    • Optex Fee
      • Japan Address: 91 Chudoji-Awata-cho Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan

      Manufacturer Overview

      Optex Fee Co., Ltd., was established in 2002 and based in Kyoto, Japan, is a manufacturer and supplier of factory automation sensors and solutions. The company offers an extensive and diversified product portfolio including photoelectric sensors, fiber-optic sensors, displacement sensors, non-contact thermometers, vision sensors, and other industrial automation products. These sensors and solutions play a pivotal role in enhancing manufacturing processes across a spectrum of industries, including automotive, electronics, and packaging.

    • Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
      • Japan Address: 325-6, Sunayama-cho, Naka-ku, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka, Japan

      Manufacturer Overview

      Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., established in 1953 and headquartered in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a manufacturer of sensors and emitters for both visible and invisible light. It stocks products like LEDs, lamps, and photodiodes used in several industries, including consumer electronics, dental imaging, and environmental monitoring. The sensor and light source components are also available as modules and units that can be incorporated into systems the company develops, like optical measurement systems or imaging systems. The ISO 9001-certified company stocks over 15,000 devices, units, and systems that ship to over 100 destinations worldwide, and it has ten research and production bases.

    • OPTIKA S.r.l.
      • Italy Address: Via Rigla, 30, Ponteranica, Bergamo, Lombardia, Italy

      Manufacturer Overview

      Optika Italy, established in 1971 and headquartered in Ponteranica, Italy, is a manufacturer and supplier of microscopes and microscopy accessories. The company offers a range of products, including biological microscopes, stereo microscopes, polarizing microscopes, inverted microscopes, and digital cameras with software. These tools find application across diverse sectors such as education, research, industry, and medicine. All of its processes adhere to the Quality Management System, following the UNI EN ISO 9001 standard.

    • SENSATEC Co., Ltd.

      Manufacturer Overview

      SENSATEC Co. Ltd., established in 1988 and based in Kyoto, Japan, is a manufacturer and supplier of OEM sensors. The company specializes in crafting electronic detection and control devices, medical tools, and beauty equipment, including various sensors, A/D/D/A converters, and optical fiber data systems. Its diverse product range also includes cable and coil winding processing, and it provides support for metal mask manufacturing. The company also offers tailored designs emphasizing miniaturization and handles everything from standard strips to soldering and assembly.

    • Autonics Corporation

      Manufacturer Overview

      Autonics Corporation, established in 1977 and based in Busan, South Korea, is a developer and manufacturer of automation products, which are marketed worldwide. Some of its products include sensors, peripheral connection equipment, motion devices, control devices, and process automation instruments. The automation products are used in various industries, including automotive, packaging, machine tools, metal, and marine. The company has 12 international offices spanning over 100 countries, a fully automated warehouse system, and various international quality certifications, including RoHS, CE, UL, and EAC. Its safety products meet the functional safety standards IEC 61508 and mechanical safety standards ISO 13849.

    • Omron

      Manufacturer Overview

      Omron Corporation, started in 1933 and headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, is a manufacturer of automation components, equipment, and systems, and it developed the first contactless proximity switch in 1960. It has four domains, including industrial automation, electronic components, healthcare, and social systems, and it provides products and services in around 120 countries and regions. Some of its products include microsensing devices, access control systems, industrial robots, surveillance cameras, and blood pressure monitors. In 1971, it developed the first online cash machine, and in 1972, it established Japan’s first welfare factory.

    • Balluff

      Manufacturer Overview

      Balluff was founded in 1921 and is headquartered in Neuhausen, near Stuttgart, Germany. Balluff is a manufacturer of sensor and automation solutions for customers globally. Balluff serves many industries including life sciences, semiconductors, metalworking, fluid power, and mobile equipment. Balluff’s product line consists of sensors and connectivity components, accessories, complete systems, and software. Balluff offers services to assist customers across the range of finding solutions, deploying solutions, training, as well as support.

    • SensoPart Inc.

      Manufacturer Overview

      SensoPart, Inc. was founded in 1994 and headquartered in Germany with US operations based out of Bingham Farms, Michigan. The ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturing company serves the automotive, robotics, plastics, solar, and other industries with photoelectric sensors and image processing products. The company’s products include optical sensors, vision sensors, ultrasonic sensors, inductive sensors, and accessories. Together they are used in manufacturing detection & inspection, product identification, a diverse array of measuring tasks, product positioning, and color detection.

    • Laser Components Germany GmbH
      • Germany Address: Werner-von-Siemens-Str. 15, Olching, Bavaria, Germany

      Company Overview

      Laser Components was founded in 1982 and is headquartered in Olching, Germany. The ISO 9001:2015 certified company also has locations and distributors across Europe and the United States. The company is a manufacturer and researcher for semiconductor technologies and dielectric coatings. Chemicals used include silicon, lithium tantalate, and deuterated L-alanine doped triglycene sulphate, known as DLATGS. The company’s product segments include IR Components, Photo Counters, Lasers, and Fiber Optics. The company’s services include repair, calibration, tool servicing, and job coatings.

    • Rockwell Automation

      Company Overview

      Rockwell Automation, Inc. was founded in 1903 and is headquartered in Milwakee, WI. Rockwell Automation provides industrial automation and digital transformation solutions around the world. Rockwell Automation operates through their intelligent devices, software & control, and lifecycle services segments with both hardware and software products and services. The Intelligent Devices segment offers drives, motion, safety, sensing, industrial components, and configured-to-order products. The Software & Control segment provides control and visualization software and hardware, information software, and network and security infrastructure solutions. The Lifecycle Services segment provides consulting, professional services and solutions, and connected and maintenance services through independent distributors.

    • Fargo Controls, Inc.

      Distributor Overview

      Fargo Controls, Inc. was founded in 1983 and is headquartered in Eatontown, New Jersey. The company is a distributor of proximity sensors and other industrial controls for both consumer and industrial customers. The company categorizes proximity sensors by four principles: inductive for detecting metallic objects, capacitive for detecting both metallic and non-metallic objects, photoelectric for detecting light, and magnetic for detecting the presence of permanent magnets. Other product offerings include counters, rate meters, timers, and controls.

    • AutomationDirect Inc.

      Distributor Overview

      AutomationDirect.com was founded in 1994 to provide solutions for the industrial automation market and has been growing its list of offerings ever since. AutomationDirects’ extensive catalog includes individual components such as cables, various controls, I/O devices, relays, gauges, fittings, and sensors to complete systems. Many parts and devices, especially PLC units are customizable. AutomationDirect.com also provides support via video instructions, online manuals, a learning library, an active community forum to further assist customers.

Photoelectric Element Manufacturer Ranking

*Including some distributors, etc.

Derivation Method

The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the photoelectric element page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.

Number of Employees

  1. Pepperl+Fuchs Inc.: 7,100
  2. Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.: 3,766
  3. Balluff: 3,600

Newly Established Company

  1. Optex Fee: 2002 (22 years ago)
  2. SensoPart Inc.: 1994 (30 years ago)
  3. Sen Tech Co., Ltd.: 1994 (30 years ago)

Company with a History

  1. Balluff: 1921 (103 years ago)
  2. Pepperl+Fuchs Inc.: 1945 (79 years ago)
  3. SICK AG: 1946 (78 years ago)

Photoelectric Element Manufacturers in United States

*Including some distributors, etc.

Global Distribution of Photoelectric Element Manufacturers by Country

*Including some distributors, etc.

Country Number of Companies Share (%)
United States of America United States of America 9 56.3%
Taiwan Taiwan 2 12.5%
Germany Germany 2 12.5%
Japan Japan 2 12.5%
Italy Italy 1 6.3%

List of Photoelectric Element Products

2 products are listed.

Inspector SPS Series-Shimada Electronics

Shimada Electronics

Inspector SPS Series

50+ people viewing

Feature Uses four technology to achieve high quality and durability that reduces the risk of quality accidents to the limit. 1. Realizes high dura...


1 model listed

Light emission element SLN series-Shimada Electronics

Shimada Electronics

Light emission element SLN series

40+ people viewing

Achieves high quality and durability that adopts three technologies and reduces the risk of quality accidents to the limit. 1. Realizes high durab...


1 model listed

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