Methods and systems for detecting proximity of an object

A proximity sensor comprising:

• a first detector configured to receive a first beam of radiation from a first field of view and generate a first output signal correlative to the energy received from said first beam;
• a second detector configured to receive a second beam of radiation from a second field of view generate a second output signal correlative to the energy received from said second beam wherein said second beam is displaced from said first beam by a predetermined angle;
• and
• an electronic circuit configured to output a proximity signal indicative of the proximity of an object when a differential between the first and second output signals exceeds a predetermined threshold.

A system for determining a proximity to an object, said system comprising:

• a first detector in optical communication with a first field of view through a first reflector;
• a second detector in optical communication with a second field of view through a second reflector;
• and
• an electronic circuit configured to receive first and second temperature signals from said first and second detectors respectively, said electronic circuit further configured to output a proximity signal indicative of the proximity of an object using the first and second temperature signals.