Re: cleaning of filters

Posted by Dan Osborn on
URL: http://confocal-microscopy-list.275.s1.nabble.com/cleaning-of-filters-tp3783387p3783598.html

I would agree with Craig on this.  Whether it is a filter or a dichroic
mirror, "soft-coated" or "hard-coated" filter, the preferred method is first
with compressed dry air and perhaps a soft lense cloth.  If that fails to
remove the smudge(s) a small amount of MeOH, EtOH, or even Acetone will not
affect the coating if it is not repeated a multitude of times.  Remember,
"soft-coated" filters are not exposed coatings, so there is either just
glass on the filter surface, or an AR coating.  "Hard-coated" filters many
times are exposed but are more resistant to solvent attack.  At least by the
ones mentioned here.
Water cleaning can also damage filters and as water does not evaporate as
quickly as the organics, if any gets behind the filter ring it will hang
around  longer.  
However, some grime does come off better in aqueous solvents, and it is OK
to use a good breath of air on the filter surface and either a Qtip or wipe
to clean it.  A water dampened Qtip or cloth followed by a dry wipe should
be fine as well.
-Dan

 


Dan Osborn
Product Marketing Manager

Omega Optical, Inc.
Delta Campus
Omega Drive
Brattleboro, VT 05301
Phone: Direct line: [phone]  or Toll Free: (866)-488-1064
Fax: [phone]
Email: [hidden email]
Web: www.omegafilters.com

 

 

Celebrating 40 Years


-----Original Message-----
From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:[hidden email]] On
Behalf Of Craig Brideau
Sent: Wednesday, October 07, 2009 1:53 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: cleaning of filters

I usually clean coated optics with a single swipe of methanol on a lens
tissue.  Take a lens tissue and fold it a few times, put a drop or two of
methanol on it, and do a single swipe across the surface.
If the fingerprint refuses to come off, refold the tissue you just used to
expose a clean surface, add another drop of methanol and swipe again.  If
you are uncertain that your particular coatings are Methanol-compatible then
test a tiny corner of the optic first!
Also, make sure to use 'molecular grade' or ultra-high purity methanol, as
standard stuff contains things that will contaminate your optic.

Craig


On Wed, Oct 7, 2009 at 11:42 AM, Carl Boswell <[hidden email]>
wrote:
> Hi all,
> I have some emission filters with dust that will not blow off, and one
> with an obvious fingerprint, all of which show up as blurry smutz in
> the image. I appreciate the need for caution when cleaning filters
> with soft coatings; e.g. no organic solvents, no touching, etc.  But
> what about a simple soak in dilute soap and water, followed by dH2O
> rinse?  Or, will a polymerizing cleaners, such as Photonic's First
> Contact work?  Obviously there is a solvent in this to keep the material
liquid until applied.

>
> Thanks,
>
> c
>
> Carl A. Boswell, Ph.D.
> Molecular and Cellular Biology
> University of Arizona
> 520-954-7053
> FAX [phone]
>