Maintenance
9-3
• Use each piece of lens tissue only once; dirty tissue merely redistrib-
utes contamination—it does not remove it.
General Procedures for Cleaning Optics
With the exception of the rod, the AOM, the GTI (ps configuration), and
prisms (fs configuration), all optics must be removed from their mounts for
cleaning. However, only mirrors
M
3
, the output coupler M
10
, the Brewster
windows, and the beam splitter must be removed from their holder to clean
the second surface.
1. Use a squeeze bulb or dry nitrogen to clean away any dust or grit
before cleaning optics with solvent. If canned air is used, hold the can
in an upright position to avoid liquid freon from contaminating the
optic.
2. Whenever possible, clean the optic using the “drop and drag” method
(Figure 9-1).
a. Hold the optic horizontal with its coated surface up. Place a sheet
of lens tissue over it, and squeeze a drop or two of acetone or meth-
anol onto it.
b. Slowly draw the tissue across the surface to remove dissolved con-
taminants and to dry the surface.
Pull the tissue slow enough so the solvent evaporation front imme-
diately follows the tissue.
Q-Tips is a trademark of the Johnson & Johnson Corporation
Do not use lens tissue designated for cleaning eye glasses. Such tissue
contains silicones. These molecules bind themselves to the optic coat-
ings and can cause permanent damage. Also, do not use cotton swabs,
e.g., Q-Tips
®
. Solvents dissolve the glue used to fasten the cotton to the
stick, resulting in contaminated coatings. Only use photographic lens
tissue to clean optical components.
Caution!
DO NOT remove or adjust fs prisms Pr
1
to Pr
4
, or adjust the mirror
mounts of M
6
, M
7
, M
8
, or M
9
. These optics are prealigned at the factory
and are not to be disturbed unless specifically told to do so elsewhere in
this manual. A service call might be required if disturbed.
Caution!
When replacing optics holders, DO NOT tighten them too much or you
will press the optic against the three steel alignment balls too hard and
chip the optic. Simply screw on the holder until you feel contact. Also,
be careful not to cross-thread the holder when you screw it on.
Warning!
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