The latest optical sensors and detectors for 2025

Optical sensors and detectors are used in a number of commercial and research applications, including quality and process control, medico technologies, metrology, imaging and remote sensing.

The market for optical sensors and detectors

According to market intelligence firm, Precedence Research, the global optical sensor market was worth $26.69bn in 2024, and is predicted to reach $68.61bn by 2034, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.90%. The company cites one of the key drivers as the rising demand for consumer electronics, such as smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches. These sensors enable key features such as screen brightness adjustment, fingerprint recognition, and advanced camera capabilities. Emerging technologies like augmented and virtual reality also rely on optical sensors for motion tracking and immersive experiences, and consumers are seeking more versatile and secure devices, pushing growth in the optical sensor industry.

Optical detectors too are experiencing growth, according to Fortune Business Insights, which predicts a market growth from $21.51bn in 2024 to $51.21bn by 2032, a CAGR of 11.5% during the period. Likewise, the firm attributes increasing demand for consumer electronics as the key driver for this

What are optical sensors?

An optical sensor is a device that detects and measures light or changes in light to gather information about its environment. It converts light signals into electrical signals, enabling various applications. Optical sensors are used in consumer electronics, industrial automation, healthcare, and automotive industries. They can power features such as ambient light detection, proximity sensing, fingerprint recognition, and motion tracking. By leveraging technologies such as photodiodes, phototransistors, and fibre optics, optical sensors provide precise, non-contact measurement and analysis. Their versatility and accuracy make them ideally placed for applications in augmented reality, robotics, medical diagnostics, and environmental monitoring, driving innovation across multiple fields.

What are optical detectors?

An optical detector senses and measures light or electromagnetic radiation in the optical spectrum, including ultraviolet, visible, and infrared wavelengths. It converts light energy into electrical signals for analysis or further processing. Optical detectors are used in cameras, fibre-optic communication, medical imaging, and scientific instrumentation. Common types include photodiodes, phototransistors, and charge-coupled devices (CCDs). They are widely used in applications ranging from motion detection and environmental monitoring to industrial automation and consumer electronics.

Sensors and detectors on the market now

Vendors that offer sensor and detector technology include AtGrating Technologies, with its packaged FBG fibre-optical sensor, designed for stress and strain measurements. One advantage is that it can be integrated with materials as a monitoring material and structure to create more promising structures. The sensors allow for measurement of temperature, strain, pressure, displacement, acceleration, tilt and even hydrostatic levels.

Excelitas provides photonic detection solutions ranging from Silicon and InGaAS PINs and avalanche photodiodes, hybrid receivers and photon counting modules to address high-performance and high-volume applications across a number of markets. The company’s Thermal IR Sensors represent a broad range of pyroelectric detectors, thermopile detectors and IR sensor modules used for motion detection, presence monitoring, temperature measurement and gas detection.

Hamamatsu Photonics is a manufacturer of optical sensors, electric light sources, and other optical devices and applied instruments for scientific, technical and medical use. Detector products include photodiodes, avalanche photodiodes (APD), silicon photomultipliers (SiPM), photomultiplier tubes (PMT) and infrared detectors. Sensor products include CMOS, CCD and InGaAs.

HBK FiberSensing offers an optical sensor line, NewLight, which enables large strain measurement ranges at increased long-term stability. It is used in structural health monitoring, thanks to its fast, easy installation and resistance to environmental conditions, such as humidity, rust and even salt over extremely long distances. It is compatible with standard telecom cables, for a cost-efficient solution. Based on the Fibre Bragg Grating technology, the company offers optical sensors for measurements of strain, temperature, acceleration and tilt.

Laser Components is a manufacturer of dielectric coatings for laser optics, pulsed laser diodes, APDs, IR detectors, photon counting modules, selected laser diodes, IR emitters, laser diode drivers and related electronics, miniature laser modules, fibre assemblies and optical filters. Most recently, the company launched Flexpoint, a radial laser module for creating 3D models of pipes. It is able to create the 360° line by deploying a cone-shaped mirror that reflects the light evenly in all directions. The circular red line can be used to detect irregularities of up to 50µm that may exist on the surface of the pipe.

Newport Corporation offers a variety of optical sensors and detectors, including photodiode power sensors, fiber optic detectors, and laser power sensors. Newport's optical sensors can convert light into electrical signals for analysis and measurement.

Photek manufactures and supplies vacuum-based tubes and camera systems for charged particle detection and imaging (photon, electron and neutron). The company has a comprehensive range of products for most photon detection applications and works with customers to design bespoke solutions where these are required. Photek has particular expertise in the design and manufacture of large-area image intensifiers, ultrafast photomultiplier tubes (PMTs), UV detectors and advanced photon counting camera systems.

Photonis, an Exosens brand, develops ion, electron and photon detectors, as well as technologies for analytical instruments and all mass spectrometry techniques. Its photonic solutions support spectroscopy applications with a variety of spectral response options. The company also offers custom design and manufacturing capabilities to provide superior detectors.

Available from SensoPart is a portfolio of vision solutions covering a spectrum of industrial image processing. A high-performance smart camera in a compact housing forms the heart of the firm’s Visor vision sensors. The hardware is optimally enhanced by the Visor software, which enables the set-up of applications in a few simple steps and the adjustment of process parameters. Thanks to the software, the process can also be continuously monitored. The company offers the Visor vision sensor with a package of integrated detectors and functions.

SmartSens Technology is a high-performance CMOS image-sensing chip design company. The firm’s products include full colour night vision, DSI pixel, global exposure built on voltage domain architecture, and stack BSI processes, among many others.

Technica Optical Components offers a range of Fibre Bragg Grating-based packaged sensors in a selection of optical specifications and mechanical configurations. The company can also work with customers to provide custom OEM sensors.

This is not an exhaustive list. If you provide products or solutions for sensors and detectors and would like your company to be included, please let us know at: editor.electro@europascience.com.