It does! We attempted to use it as a smoke detector and did some testing. Seemed to work, but the company I was doing the work for came up with a different ST sensor that was cheaper. I would not use the VL53L1X for this application. It's too expensive. Either the VL6180x or the VL53L0X are cheaper and would also work.
I placed the device in an existing smoke detector enclosure and used cigarette smoke. The range that had been very consistent goes down as expected.
If you use the VL53 products you get another feature. This sensor does not see water vapor. So steam should NOT set it off. (it uses 940nm light which is absorbed by water rather than reflected.) The VL6180X uses 850nm light, which does see water vapor - although please test that carefully. It might not see water vapor very well.
If this or any post solves your issue, please mark them as 'Accept as Solution' It really helps. And if you notice anything wrong do not hesitate to 'Report Inappropriate Content'. Someone will review it.
