Cleaning Instructions How to clean instruments with a physical contact interface
442 Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition
How to clean instruments with a
physical contact interface
Remove any connector interfaces from the optical output of the instrument
before you start the cleaning procedure.
Cleaning interfaces is difficult as the core diameter of a single-mode fiber
is only about 9 µm. This generally means you cannot see streaks or
scratches on the surface. To be certain of the degree of pollution on the
surface of your interface and to check whether it has been removed after
cleaning, you need a microscope.
Preferred Procedure
Use the following procedure on most occasions.
1 Clean the interface by rubbing a new, dry cotton-swab over the surface using a
small circular movement.
2 Blow away any remaining lint with compressed air.
Procedure for Stubborn Dirt
Use this procedure particularly when there is greasy dirt on the interface:
1 Moisten a new cotton-swab with isopropyl alcohol.
2 Clean the interface by rubbing the cotton-swab over the surface using a small
circular movement.
3 Take a new, dry soft-tissue and remove the alcohol, dissolved sediment and
dust, by rubbing gently over the surface using a small circular movement.
4 Blow away any remaining lint with compressed air.
Never look into an optical output, because this can seriously
damage your eyesight.
To assess the projection of the emitted light beam you can use an
infrared sensor card. Hold the card approximately 5 cm from the
interface. The invisible emitted light is project onto the card and
becomes visible as a small circular spot.
WARNING