Optics Cleaning Fixture Kits

Features

• Optics Cleaning Fixture Based on Standard Components
• Specially Designed Delrin^®* Fingers Hold Optics
• Two Versions for Various Optic Sizes:
  • SCL03(/M) Holds Optics from Ø0.15" (Ø3.8 mm) to Ø1.77" (Ø45.0 mm)
  • SCL04(/M) Holds Optics from Ø0.15" (Ø3.8 mm) to Ø3.00" (Ø76.2 mm)
• Ideal for Cleaning Optics Using the "Drop and Drag" Method

Thorlabs' Optics Cleaning Fixture Kits are designed for holding an optic during a cleaning process, freeing both hands to focus on proper cleaning technique. Each kit is designed using standard Thorlabs optomechanical components. The key piece of the fixture is one of our self-centering lens mounts [SCL03(/M) or SCL04(/M)], which are designed to allow for the quick insertion and removal of optics during cleaning. The standard Delrin mounting fingers on the SCL03(/M) and SCL04(/M) secure the front face of the optic below the edge of the fingers. These fingers can be swapped out and replaced with our specially designed FCF3 fingers, which hold optics at least 1.5 mm thick, so that the surface of the optic is above the surface of the mount. This is ideal for using the "Drag and Drop" method of cleaning where a solvent-moistened lens tissue is carefully dragged across the optic, although folded tissue and forceps may also be used.

The other components in our cleaning fixture kits are standard Ø1/2" posts, post holders, bases, and clamps. All of the pieces of the kit are sold as individual components, allowing you to only buy the components of the kit that you do not already own. The only items not provided with the fixture kits are 1/4"-20 (M6) cap screws for securing the base to the post holder and securing the base to an optical table. If you do not have these screws, Thorlabs offers 1/4"-20 and M6 cap screw kits.

Step-by-step instructions for assembling the optics cleaning fixture kit may be found on the Assembly tab above. Specific instructions for using the fixture with the "Drop and Drag" cleaning method may be found on the Cleaning tab. Our general cleaning recommendations, including alternate methods of cleaning, may be found in our Optics Cleaning Tutorial.

Please note that this page is set up to make it easy to order the complete cleaning fixture kit or to remove components from your order that you already own. For specific instructions on ordering the items on this page, please read the information contained within the shaded green box above each ordering area.

*Delrin is a registered trademark of DuPont Polymers, Inc.

Assembling the Optics Cleaning Fixture

The optics cleaning fixture kit is designed around standard components that many researchers may already have in their labs. The items sold on this page are Thorlabs' recommendations; substitutions (e.g., slightly longer posts than recommended) can be used if desired. Here, we will refer to the recommended components only. If you have any questions about the suitability of a substitution, please contact Tech Support.

Figure 2.1  The complete Imperial Optics Cleaning Fixture kit for Ø0.15" (Ø3.8 mm) to Ø1.77" (Ø45.0 mm) optics prior to assembly is shown in the image above. Items shown from left to right: SCL03, an 8-32 setscrew (included with the TR1 post), FCF3 set of three cleaning fingers, TR2 2" tall post, TR1 1" tall post, RA90 right-angle clamp, PH2 2" tall post holder, and BA2 post holder base.

The following photos and steps refer to our Imperial kit for Ø0.15" to Ø1.77" optics, which is based on the SCL03 self-centering lens mount. The procedure, however, is the same for kits based on the SCL04 self-centering mount and/or metric kit counterparts.

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Figure 2.2  Unscrew the standard clamping fingers.

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Figure 2.3  Attach the FCF3.

Step 1: Attach the FCF3 to the Lens Mount
Remove the Delrin^® fingers from the SCL03 by opening the clamp slightly and unscrewing the fingers. Now, screw on each FCS3 finger, as shown in Figure 2.2.

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Figure 3.1  Hold the lens tissue above the optic.

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Figure 3.2  Apply a drop or two of solvent to moisten the tissue.


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Figure 3.3  Drag the tissue across the optic.

Cleaning Optics with a Cleaning Fixture Kit

The design of the optics cleaning fixture makes it ideal for holding optics while using the "Drop and Drag" method of cleaning, which is demonstrated here. For other cleaning techniques, please see our Optics Cleaning and Handling Tutorial.

Step 1: Inspect the Optic

First, inspect the optic to determine the location of the contaminants. This allows you to orient the optic in the fixture so that the contaminant is lifted from the surface of the optic as soon as possible instead of being dragged across the surface of the optic.

Step 2: Insert the Optic into the Fixture

Squeeze the actuator tabs on the self-centering lens mount, and insert the optic. The drop and drag method is ideal for flat optical surfaces, such as mirrors, and the FCF3 fingers are designed to hold optics greater than 1.5 mm thick. Be sure that the optic is seated properly with the underside resting on the wider part of the fingers.

Step 3: Clean the Optic

Take a fresh, clean sheet of lens tissue and hold it above (not in contact with) the optic so that as you pull the lens tissue it will be drawn across the optical surface. Next place one or two drops of an approved quick-drying solvent on the lens tissue being held above the optic. The weight of the solvent will cause the lens tissue to come into contact with the optical surface. Slowly but steadily drag the damp lens tissue across the optic being careful not to lift the lens tissue off of the surface. Continue dragging the lens tissue until it is fully off of the optical surface.

The correct amount of solvent will keep the lens tissue damp for the entire drag but not leave any visible trace of solvent on the optical surface after the drag is finished. Inspect the optic and repeat if necessary, but only use each sheet of lens tissue once. This cleaning method is preferred by many since the lens tissue is only in light contact with the optical surface. This method can be used successfully to remove small adhered particles and oils from an optical surface. Heavy concentrations of contaminants often require repeated treatments.