Advice on lens cleaning

[Gabriel Lapointe-4]

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
*****

I have a problem with a dirty objective installed on a straight Leica
microscope. The lens is covered in what looks like oil mixed with solid
dark green particles and the metal edge with green oily crystal. That
system hasn't been used for a while so I’m inclined to think that immersion
oil was left on the objective for more than a year.

Have you ever seen anything like that and do you have any suggestion as to
how I should start the cleaning? I’m afraid to use my standard cleaning
protocol as the particles inside the oil could scratch the lens.

Thanks for your help.
*Gabriel Lapointe, M.Sc.*
Lab Manager / Microscopy Specialist
Concordia University, Biology Department
7141 Sherbrooke St. West SP 534
Montréal QC H4B 1R6 Canada
Lab : [phone] x5988
Office : [phone] x3008
Fax : [phone]
Cell : [phone]
[hidden email]
cmac.concordia.ca
http://gabriellapointe.ca