Coherent OBIS - User Manual

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CLEANING OBIS™ AND SAPPHIRE™
F
IBER TIPS
To avoid optical degradation and optical or mechanical damage, the
fiber connector needs to be clean. Also, the connector has to be
installed in a dust-free and contamination-free environment when
running the laser in your application; therefore, it is important that
fiber connectors are inspected and cleaned prior to mating. The
information in this document explains how to do that.
Importance of
Inspection and
Cleaning
A clean fiber tip is required for quality connections between fiber
optic equipment. One of the most basic and important maintenance
procedures of a fiber optic system is to clean the equipment.
Any contamination in the fiber connection can cause failure of either
the component or the whole system. Even microscopic dust particles
can cause a variety of problems for optical connections. A particle
that partially or completely blocks the core can generate strong back
reflections, which, in turn, can cause instability in the laser system.
In addition to dust, other types of contamination must also be
cleaned off the fiber tip. Such materials include:
• Oils (for example, from human hands)
• Film residues (condensed from vapors in the air)
• Powdery coatings (left after water or other solvents evaporate)
These contaminants can be more difficult to remove than dust parti-
cles and, if not removed, may also damage the equipment.
OBIS and Sapphire Fiber Tips (shown without fiber shutter caps)
OBIS Sapphire

Summary

Importance of Inspection and Cleaning

Laser Safety Precautions

Laser Safety Glasses Hazard

Laser safety glasses protect eyes but block visible light, requiring extreme caution.

Never Look Into Live Fiber

Warning against direct eye exposure to laser light through the fiber optic cable.

Avoid Fiberscope Connection While Live

Caution against connecting fiber optics to inspection devices when the laser is active.

Power Down Laser Before Inspection

Mandatory safety step to power down the laser before inspecting fiber tips.

General Cleaning Process

Pre-Mating Connector Preparation

Essential step to ensure clean connections for optimal fiber optic performance.

Handling Fiber Connector Tips

Avoid direct contact with fiber tips to prevent contamination and damage.

Residue-Free Wet Cleaning

Utilize methods that prevent alcohol or solvent residue on the fiber tip after cleaning.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide

Detailed steps for inspecting, dry cleaning, and wet cleaning fiber optic connectors.

Fiber Tip Inspection Technique

Inspection Equipment Overview

Description of fiberscopes and microscope adapters for inspecting optical fibers.

Inspection Steps

Procedure for inspecting fiber connectors using inspection equipment.

Fiber Tip Cleaning Techniques

Dry Cleaning Technique Overview

Method for cleaning fiber tips using a cartridge cleaner.

Dry Cleaning Steps

Detailed instructions for performing dry cleaning with a fiber optic cleaner.

Wet Cleaning Technique Overview

Procedure for cleaning fiber tips using a wet cleaning method with alcohol.

Wet Cleaning Steps

Detailed instructions for performing wet cleaning with isopropyl/methanol.

Coherent OBIS Specifications

General

Wavelengths	405 nm, 445 nm, 488 nm, 514 nm, 561 nm, 594 nm, 640 nm
Power Stability	< 1% over 8 hours
Modulation	Analog
Cooling	Air cooled
Storage Temperature	-20°C - 60°C