Compact Scientific Digital Cameras
Chapter 9: Maintenance
Rev A, June 3, 2020
Page 31
•
What if the contamination includes a smudge?
1.
Remove the camera from the optical assembly and bring the camera to a clean, dry location
where it is safe to use flammable solvents (please see
“Caution” below)
2.
Refer to Section 3.6.1. for details on removing the C-mount adapter and Ø1" protective window.
3.
Place the camera face down on a clean, dry surface to prevent particles from accumulating on
the
chamber’s hermetic window.
4.
Once the window is removed, use a CLEAN, DRY (preferably brand-new), camel hair lens cleaning
brush (such as those used by photographers) to gently wipe the particles off the Ø1" window.
5.
Re-examine the window after removing the dust. If a smudge is still visible, proceed by dipping a
clean, lint-free cotton swab in ethyl or isopropyl alcohol. The swab should be saturated, but not
dripping.
6.
Carefully draw the swab once across the surface, then rotate the swab 180 degrees to expose the
fresh surface and draw it across the window surface again. Be careful not to pool alcohol on the
glass surface.
7.
Re-examine once again and repeat the process once, if necessary.
If contamination continues to be a problem, please call Thorlabs for assistance.
Cleaning the
Hermetic Chamber’s Protective Window
The hermetic chamber protective window is visible when the lens, C-mount adapter, and Ø1" protective window are
removed. This window forms an integral part of the hermetic seal of the chamber. It cannot be removed and should
never be touched. In the case of accidental contamination or smudging please use the following guidelines.
•
What must I do before cleaning the
Hermetic Chamber’s Protective Window?
First, remove the lens and Ø1" protective window. Carefully examine the chamber window in a
clean location under a strong, direct light. Try to determine if the contaminants are a few dust
particles, oily smudge (such as fingerprints) or both. Refer to Section 3.6.1. for details on removing
the C-mount adapter and Ø1" protective window.
•
What if the contamination is only a few dust particles?
Use a CLEAN, DRY (preferably brand-new), camel hair lens cleaning brush (such as those used
by photographers) to gently wipe the particles off the filter.
•
What if the contamination includes a smudge?
1.
Remove the camera from the optical assembly and bring the camera to a clean, dry location
where it is safe to use flammable solvents (please see
“Caution” below).
2.
Refer to Section 3.6.1. for details on removing the C-mount adapter and Ø1" protective window.
3.
Place the camera face down on a clean, dry surface to prevent particles from accumulating on
the
chamber’s hermetic window until you are ready to perform the cleaning.
4.
Use a CLEAN, DRY (preferably brand-new), camel hair lens cleaning brush (such as those used
by photographers) to gently wipe the particles off the chamber window.
