RAYLASE AXIALSCAN-50, Manual

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Chapter
‎
6 Cleaning
24 RAYLASE 3-Axis Subsystem AS-50 for Laser Beam Deflection MN049 / v1.0.0
6.2.3 Special instructions for zinc selenide optical elements
Zinc selenide (ZnSe) is an inorganic orange material that can be used in different forms for
optical components (e.g. lenses, beam splitters, mirrors) in CO
2
laser systems.
Properties of zinc selenide
Melting point: 1,520°C
Density: 5.27g/cm³ at 25°C
Solubility: Sensitive to water
To improve the optical properties of the material, zinc selenide is often given an anti-reflex
coating that can contain tho
rium fluoride. Thorium is a α emitter and is slightly radioactive.
Thorium is potentially hazardous to health if it is inhaled or swallowed. As the coating contain-
ing thorium is enclosed between non-radioactive layers, there is no risk to the user under
normal circumstances.
Damage to zinc selenide optical elements
Under normal circumstances, no special precautions are necessary when handling or storing
zinc selenide.
In case of damage to a zinc selenide optical element or its anti-reflex coating, follow the in-
structions below.
Damage to anti-reflex coating

Possible causes:
-
Coating coming into contact with water, acids or alkalis
-
Mechanical damage due to improper cleaning or handling

Action:
-
Pack the optical elements in an airtight sealed plastic container.
-
Return the container to your supplier. The supplier is responsible for professional
disposal of the material.
Damage to optical element

Possible causes:
-
Optical element coming into contact with water, acid or alkali
-
Mechanical damage due to improper cleaning or handling

Action:
-
Avoid inhaling dust!
-
Carefully collect up fragments and pack them in an airtight sealed plastic container.
-
Return the container to your supplier. The supplier is responsible for professional
disposal of the material.
-
Damage to optical element due to laser radiation

Cause:
-
Damage to optical element due to laser radiation (laser radiation is no longer
completely transmitted but is absorbed into the element due to damage to the anti-
reflex coating or contamination of the optical element)

Action:
-
Switch off the laser device immediately!
-
Leave the room for at least 30 minutes!
-
Wear gloves and a mouth protector while performing the subsequent steps!
-
Carefully collect up all fragments and pack them in an airtight sealed plastic container.