General Cleaning Procedure
Cleaning Information
Agilent
8169A
Polarization Controller, Second Edition
145
Cleaning procedure for high-power
single mode connections
Optical single mode connectors for high-power applications (optical power
levels bove 100 mW) require careful cleaning to prevent the power density
of burning dust or dirt into the fiber causing permanent damage to the
devices and/or connectors. If this happens, measurements become
inaccurate and unrepeatable.
The “Preferred Procedure” on page 145 or the “Procedure for Stubborn
Dirt” on page 145 must be strictly followed for each part of the optical
connection (connector, connector interface, and physical connector
interface).
Always make sure that the fiber end-faces are properly cleaned and
unscratched before connection. The fiber end faces must be visually
inspected using a microscope with a magnification of at leasst 400x. For
recommended fiber inspection microscopes, please refer to personnel in
Agilent’s Service Team.
The connection should be made immediately after cleaning and inspection
to prevent the connection (connector, connector interface, and physical
connector interface) from becoming dusty or dirty again.
Preferred Procedure
An Optical Connector Cleaner, which ressembles a VCR cleaning tape, is a
device that can be used to clean grease from the surface of a connector.
1
Blow away any surface dust with compressed air..
2
Press the button on the sideof the Optical Connector Cleaner device to ensure
that a fresh strip of tape is ready.
3
Position the connector interface on the tape.
4
Holding the connector interface against the tape, rotate the interface about 180
degrees, then slide it across the surface of the tape.
Alternative Procedure
Use the following procedure if an Optical Connector Cleaner is not available.
1
Clean the connector by rubbing a new, dry cotton swab over the surface using a
small circular movement.
2
Blow away any remaining lint with compressed air.
Procedure for Stubborn Dirt
Use this procedure when there is greasy dirt on the connector:
1
Moisten a new cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol.
2
Clean the connector by rubbing the cotton swab over the surface using a small