Cleaning galvo mirrors

[Mikey851]

I know I have read many threads on this subject in the past but for some reason I couldn't find the one I was looking for again.

How often do the optics need to be cleaned on average? I only noticed a small reduction in power output one time since I obtained my rgb. I saw a dusty build up on the galvo mirrors. I read that you could use a q tip and iso alcohol to clean it. I did that and it actually worked well....didn't leave any residue or cotton behind.

Do you think that was okay for it? Also, at what point should I open the unit up and clean the optics? Should I wait until I notice an issue or should I do it as routine maintenance?

Thank you for your help

[dnar]

I'll bite.

My opinion is three fold.

1. I feel it best to avoid the dust/dirt int he first place. Ergo, filters on all intake fans and ensure the case has positive pressure (more intake fan area than exit area).
2. Use First Contact to clean all optics. The stuff is amazing.
3. I worry that the dust/dirt will carbonise on the optics/scanner mirrors if left unchecked.

[mixedgas]

Use methanol if you can get it. ISO does leave a film that builds up over time. Thorlabs sells lens tissue, which will not scratch your mirrors like a drug store Q tip can.

Steve

[Mikey851]

Thank you for your help. I can't avoid the dust unfortunately because I program in my workshop that is not insulated and I pretty much live in the desert. It's not as though there is dirt just flying around in the room but it is definitely more dusty than a house. The case definitely has positive pressure and I clean the filters on the intake fans.

I will try to find some methanol and get some of the lens tissue. I want to make sure I take good care of it, but at the same time I don't like touching things unless there is a reason to. I have read threads were people talk about making the optics worse by cleaning them, even using products that are made for that purpose.

[andy_con]

bit of spit and a tissue is what i use!

[Mikey851]

Haha that is very economical!

[dnar]

bit of spit and a tissue is what i use!

Now that's
first contact!

[Jem]

bit of spit and a tissue is what i use!

Hey Andy, the guy asked what to use to clean his mirrors, not what you use for your own personal gratification

Seriously though, as has already been suggested, First Contact polymer is about as good as it gets.

Jem

[norty303]

The only problem I find with using first contac for galvo mirrors is that it can sometimes feel like its a bit too violent taking the film off

[Jem]

The trick is to give it plenty of time to fully dry

I usually leave it a minimum of overnight.

Cheers

Jem