40 SolsTiS User Manual v10.0
Appendix A: Cleaning Laser Optics – General
Guidelines
Warning! M Squared Laser systems, and any third
party pump lasers used with them, are generally
sealed, maintenance-free designs, and contain no
optics or other intracavity components that can be
cleaned. If contamination of an external window or
external optical surface in the laser system is
suspected, please do not attempt to inspect or clean
this window or surface without first contacting M
Squared Lasers. Incorrect or unnecessary cleaning of
optical surfaces may result in a laser safety hazard,
may void your warranty, and/or damage to the optical
surface requiring a Return To Factory repair. If, after
consultation with M Squared Lasers, inspection
and/or cleaning of an external optical surface in your
system is deemed necessary, please be sure to follow
all warnings, cautions and instructions described in
this Appendix, as recommended by M Squared
Lasers.
Warning! Cleaning of laser optics, if prescribed for
this laser system, should be carried out only when
absolutely necessary, and only when the laser system
has been shut down, safety interlocked, and prime
power disconnected, in order to avoid any risk of
exposure to hazardous laser radiation or voltages
during the inspection and cleaning process.
Caution! The following text outlines general
precautions and example methods for cleaning laser
optics, but is not intended to describe cleaning
methods for specific optics in any specific laser
system. Please refer to Chapter 6 of this manual
before attempting to clean any optic in the laser
system described in this manual.
Deciding If Cleaning May be Necessary – General Inspection of
Optics
While particulates, a trace of dirt, a scratch, or a contaminant film
can degrade a laser’s output, cleaning optics is not a mandatory
part of a regular maintenance schedule for any laser system. This is
because the mechanical interaction involved in cleaning an optic
can in itself degrade the optic, even when cleaning procedures are
followed meticulously. Unnecessary cleaning may, in fact, only
serve to shorten the life span of an optical surface or coating.
Consequently, laser optics should be cleaned only when specifically
recommended for your laser system, and only when necessary,
such as in an attempt to correct for a noticeable decrease in laser
output power, power transmission through an optic, or degraded
laser beam quality, and all when accompanied by visible signs of
contamination on an optical surface.
Optics and optical coatings can be easily damaged - scratched or
chipped - when handled, inspected, or cleaned. Laser optics should
therefore be handled or touched only if absolutely necessary during
an inspection and any subsequent cleaning process. Handling,
inspecting or cleaning should be carried out using only tools,
materials and cleaning agents designated for the task. Never touch
optical surfaces with bare skin, which can deposit natural oils on the
optic. Always use finger cots, powder-less latex gloves, or an
equivalent when handling optics, and use a clean, cushioned work
surface.
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