Patent ID: 6538728
Filing Date: 2003-03-25
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
A gas sensor with an open optical measurement path for optical measurement of at least one gas component, the sensor comprising:a light source unit, a detector unit, the optical measurement path extending between the light source unit and the detector unit, and first and second control and evaluation devices arranged in the light source unit and the detector unit, respectively, wherein the light source unit has a light source and optical guide elements for transmitting a measuring light beam to the detector unit, and the detector unit includes a detector, which when oriented in the beam path of the measuring light beam detects the intensity of light from the measuring light beam, and the first and second control and evaluation devices determine, on the basis of a detection of the measuring light beam by the detector, a measure for a concentration of a gas component to be investigated, wherein the detector unit is provided with a transmitter device, which communicates with the second control and evaluation device in the detector unit, and the light source unit is provided with a receiver device, which communicates with the first control and evaluation device in the light source unit, so that a direct data exchange between the detector unit and the light source unit is made possible, wherein the light source unit is provided with a transmitter device which communicates with the first control and evaluation device in the light source unit, and the detector unit is provided with a receiver device, which communicates with the second control and evaluation device in the detector unit, so that the direct data exchange between the detector unit and the light source unit is bidirectional, and wherein the optical guide elements in the light source unit are adjustable in their orientation via electrical triggering, and that further optical guide elements in the detector unit are present, which are adjustable in their orientation via electrical triggering, and that the first control and evaluation device in the light source unit and the second control and evaluation device in the detector unit cooperate so that by utilizing the data exchange between the light source unit and the detector unit, they automatically perform an optimal optical calibration by controlling the orientation of the optical guide elements.