Cleaning and Handling Optics

1. Gather the necessary materials:

– Lint-free optical cleaning wipes or lens tissue

– Optical cleaning solution – Acetone or isopropyl alcohol

– Compressed air can or blower brush

– Soft-bristled brush or lens pen (optional)

– Clean and dry workspace

2. Ensure proper handling:

– Wear clean, lint-free gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints or oils on the components.

– Avoid touching the optical surfaces directly whenever possible.

3. Preparing the component:

– Inspect the infrared optical component for any loose particles or debris. If present, use compressed air or a blower brush to gently remove them. Be cautious not to scratch the surface.

4. Cleaning the surface:

– If there are visible smudges or fingerprints and you’ve verified that the components can tolerate solvents, dampen a lint-free optical cleaning wipe or lens tissue with a small amount of acetone or isopropyl alcohol.

– Gently wipe the surface using a circular motion, starting from the center and moving outward. Apply minimal pressure and avoid excessive rubbing.

– If necessary, use a soft-bristled brush or lens pen to remove stubborn particles. Be gentle to prevent scratching the surface.

– For hard-to-reach areas, you can use compressed air to blow away dust or debris.

– If the infrared component has multiple surfaces, repeat the cleaning process for each surface.

5. Drying the component:

– Allow the component to air dry for a short period or use a clean, lint-free cloth to gently pat it dry.

– Ensure that no solvent residue remains on the surface.

6. Final inspection:

– Inspect the cleaned infrared optical component under proper lighting conditions to ensure there are no streaks, smudges, or particles remaining.

– If necessary, repeat the cleaning process from step 3.