The Omron EE-SX472 is a through-beam photoelectric sensor from the EE-SX47 series, supplied as a transmitter and receiver set in a compact T-slot body. It switches on light detection (light-on mode) with an NPN open-collector output rated for 100 mA maximum load current. The infrared emitter and receiver pair detect opaque objects as small as 2 mm x 0.8 mm at a sensing distance up to 5 mm.
Supply voltage spans 5-24V DC, so it runs on common 5V logic rails or 24V control power without a separate regulator. Response time is 0.17 msec — fast enough for counting small parts on a pick-and-place or detecting registration marks at moderate line speeds. The 3 kHz switching frequency matches that speed; the sensor can keep up with 3,000 on-off cycles per second. Output short-circuit protection is built in, which saves the sensor if the load wiring faults to ground. The IP50 enclosure keeps out dust but is not rated for washdown — keep it inside a control cabinet or dry location. Solder terminals mean you wire it directly, no connector or pigtail. The T-slot body (28 mm deep, 19 mm wide, 26 mm tall) slides into a standard T-slot track, common on extruded aluminum framing for machine guarding or part-present stations.
No direct second-source is listed, but the E3Z-T61K 2M is a through-beam NPN sensor with a 15 m range and IP67 — a different form factor (rectangular, prewired cable) and wider supply range (12-24V DC). It will not drop into a T-slot mount without an adapter bracket.