LBO Crystal Handling
The
susceptibility to moisture of LBO is very low. However, users are advised
to provide dry conditions for both use
and storage of LBO to prolong the lifetime. Water condensation on crystal surfaces should be
absolutely avoided at any time.
Cleaning the Crystals
Dust and stains on crystal surfaces can
cause scattering/loss of light and can even react with light to damage
optical surfaces at a high incident laser power.
You can inspect the crystal surface for
dust and stains by holding it near a bright visible-light source.
Viewing at different angles helps to see scattering from dust and
stains. The crystal surface has to be cleaned if dust and stains are
found.
You should perform the following cleaning
procedures in a clean, low-dust environment while wearing powder-free
gloves or finger cots.
1. Blowing off the crystal surface
A canister of compressed N2/clean air or a blower bulb (http://www.adorama.com/GTRABS.html )
should be first used to blow off dust and other loose contaminants. If a
dry nitrogen line is available in the lab, an air gun can also be used
to blow away dust particles. Blow off the surface gently. Do not blow
off the crystal itself from your hand !
2. Drop and Drag Method
Hold the crystal so that the crystal surface is horizontal and
slightly
above your fingers. Take a fresh, clean sheet of lens tissue and place
it on the crystal. Make sure the lens tissue can be drawn across the
crystal surface. Next place a small drop of pure isopropyl alcohol (IPA) on the lens
tissue on top of the crystal surface. The weight of the solvent will
cause the lens tissue to come into contact with the crystal surface.
Slowly but steadily drag the damp lens tissue across the crystal surface
being careful not to lift the lens tissue off of the surface. Continue
dragging the lens tissue until it is off of the surface.
The amount of the solvent can be adjusted
for various crystal size so the lens tissue is kept damp for the entire
drag but there is not any visible trace of solvent on the crystal
surface after the drag is finished. Inspect the surface and repeat if
necessary, but only use each sheet of lens tissue once.
If the crystal surfaces are still
“dirty” after the above cleaning procedures, the surfaces might have
been damaged. Please contact us for
rework of the crystals.
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