Operating and Programming Manual
HP 81554SM Lightwave
Multimeter Source Module
SERIAL NUMBERS
This manual applies to all instruments.
ABCDE
HP Part No. 81554-90012
Printed in Germany
Second Edition
E0796
>
Control Serial Number: Edition 2 applies directly to all instruments.
First Edition : 1st May 1990 : 81553-90011 : E0590
Second Edition : 1st March 1991 : 81553-90011 : E0391 ; 1st January 1992 :
81553-90011 : E0192 ; 1st December 1994 : 81553-90011 : E1294 ; 1st July 1996
: 81553-90011 : E0796
Safety Considerations
Before operation, review the instrument and manual, including the red safety
page, for safety markings and instructions
.You must follow these to ensure safe
operation and to maintain the instrument in safe condition.
Initial Inspection
Inspect the shipping container for damage. If there is damage to the container
or cushioning, keep them until you have checked the contents of the shipment
for completeness and veried the instrument both mechanically and electrically.
The Performance Tests give procedures for checking the operation of the
instrument. If the contents are incomplete, mechanical damage or defect is
apparent, or if an instrument does not pass the operator's checks, notify the
nearest Hewlett-Packard oce.
Warning
To avoid hazardous electrical shock, do not perform
electrical tests when there are signs of shipping damage to
any portion of the outer enclosure (covers, panels, etc.).
Line Power Requirements
The HP 81554SM operates when installed into the HP 8153A Lightwave
Multimeter mainframe
Operating Environment
The HP 8153A safety information summarizes the HP 81554SM operating
environment ranges. In order for the HP 81554SM to meet specications, the
operating environment must be within the limits specied for the HP 8153A.
Storage and Shipment
The module can be stored or shipped at temperatures between040
C and
+70C. Protect the module from temperature extremes that may cause
condensation within it.
iii
Initial Safety Information for Laser Source Modules
The Specications for these modules are as follows:
HP 81554SM
Laser Type
Laser Class
According to IEC 825-1 3A
(not USA)
(EN 60825-1 Europe)
According to 21 CFR 1040.10 1
(USA)
Output Power
Beam Diameter
Numerical Aperture
Wavelength
1310/1550620nm
FP-Laser
InGaAsP
>
-1dBm
9m
0.1
iv
Sicherheitsinformation fur Laser Quellen
Die Spezikationen f ur die Lasereinsch ube sind wie folgt:
HP 81554SM
Laser Typ
Laser Klasse
Entsprechend IEC 825-1 3A
(EN 60825-1 Europa)
Ausgangsleistung
Strahldurchmesser
Numerische Apertur
Wellenl
ange
1310/1550620nm
FP-Laser
InGaAsP
>
-1dBm
9m
0.1
v
Informations et Consignes de Securite Relativesa l'Utilisation
des Lasers.
Les Sp ecications des Modules Laser sont les Suivantes:
HP 81554SM
Type de Laser
Classe du Laser
Conforme au STD IEC 825-1 3A
(EN 60825-1 Europe)
Puissance de Sortie
Diam^etre du Faisceau
Ouverture Numerique
Longueur d'Onde
1310/1550620nm
FP-Laser
InGaAsP
>
-1dBm
9m
0.1
vi
Contents
C. HP 81554SM Specications
Suppelementary Performance Characteristics ...... .... C-2
Internal Digital Modulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-2
Output Attenuation .... ...... ...... ..... C-2
Stability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-2
D. HP 81554SM Performance Tests
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equipment Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Test Record .......................... D-2
Test Failure .......................... D-2
Instrument Specication ...... ...... ...... .. D-3
Performance Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-3
Output Power and Stability Tests .... ..... ...... D-3
I. Output Power Test.. ...... ..... ...... . D-4
II. Attenuation Function Test................ D-4
III. Modulation Function Test.......... ...... D-5
IV. Stability Test....................... D-5
E. Cleaning Procedures
The Cleaning Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-1
Other Cleaning Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-3
Preserving Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-4
Cleaning Instrument Housings ................. E-4
Cleaning Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-5
Cleaning Cable Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-5
Cleaning Connector Adapters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-6
Cleaning Connector Interfaces ................ E-6
How to clean instruments with a physical contact interface .. E-7
Light dirt .. ...... ...... ...... ..... E-7
Heavy dirt ........................ E-7
D-1
D-1
Contents-1
Figures
D-1. Performance Test Setup ................... D-4
Tables
C-1. HP 81554SM Specications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1
Contents-2
C
HP 81554SM Specications
Specications describe the instrument's warranted preformance. Supplementary
performance characteristics describe the instrument's non-warranted typical
performance.
Because of the modular nature of the instrument, these performance
specications apply only to this module.You should insert these pages into the
appropriate section of the manual.
Table C-1. HP 81554SM Specications
Type
Central Wavelength
[1]
FP-Laser
1310620nm
1550620nm
Fiber Type
Spectral Bandwidth (RMS)
Output Power
CW-Stability
[3]
[4]
[2]
single-mode 9/125m
<
2.5/4nm rms
>
-1dBm
Short Term (15min, T=Constant)60.005dB
Long Term (6h, T=0 to 55C61K)60.05dB
Operating Tempreature
Dimensions
Weight
Recalibration Period
[1]
Central Wavelength is shown on the display.
[2]
rms: root mean square.
[3]
Class 3A according to IEC 825-1 (1993), Class 1 according to FDA CFR 21 (1986)
[4]
After a warm-up time of 60 min. with output enabled. If previously stored at
0C to +55C
75mm H, 32mm W, 335mm D
(2.8"2
1.3"2
13.2"2
)
net 0.7kg (1.5lbs), shipping 1kg (2.2lbs)
1 year
the same temperature, 20 min. only.
HP 81554SM Specications C-1
Suppelementary Performance Characteristics
Internal Digital Modulation
You can select internal modulation frequencies of 270HZ, 1kHz, or 2kHz. All
outputs are pulse shaped, with a duty cycle of 50%.
Output Attenuation
The output can be attenuated from 0 to 6dB, in steps of 0.1dB.
Stability
The value of the long term CW-stability doubles with just one minute warmup
time (source enabled).
C-2 HP 81554SM Specications
D
HP 81554SM Performance Tests
Introduction
The procedures in this section test the optical performance of the instrument.
The complete specications to which the HP 81554SM is tested are given in
Table C-1. All tests can be performed without access to the interior of the
instrument. The performance tests refer specically to tests using the Diamond
HMS-10/HP connector.
Equipment Required
Equipment required for the performance test is listed below.
Note
The source module under test can be inserted into the second
channel of the Power Meter Standard. In this case, the second
multimeter mainframe is not necessary.
HP 81554SM Performance Tests D-1
Instrument/Accessory Rec. Model Required
Characteris-
tic
Power Meter Standard
(C01)
Multimeter Mainframe HP 8153A
Connector Adapter
(head)
Connector Interface HP 81000AI 2ea (08154-61701)
Singlemode Fiber HP 81101AC
BNC to BNC Cable 8120-1840
Oscilloscope
Test Record
Results of the performance test may be noted in the Performance Test Record.
The Test Record can also be used as a permanent record and may be reproduced
without written permission from Hewlett-Packard
HP 8153A Mainframe with HP 81533A
Optical Head Interface Module with HP
81524A Optical Head
HP 81000AA
Uncertaintay
6
1.5%
Test Failure
If the HP 81554SM fails any performance test, return the instrument to the
nearest Hewlett-Packard Sales/Service Oce for repair.
D-2 HP 81554SM Performance Tests
Instrument Specication
Specications are the performance characteristics of the instrument that are
certied. These specications, listed in Table C-1, are the performance standards
or limits against that the HP 81554SM can be tested. Appendix C also lists some
supplemental characteristics of the HP 81554SM and should be considered as
additional information.
Any changes in the specications due to manufacturing changes, design, or
traceability to the National Bureau of Standards will be covered in a manual
change supplement or revised manual. The specications listed in such a change
supercede any previously published.
Performance Tests
The performance tests given in this section are separated into Output P
ower
Test and Stability Test. Perform each step in the tests in the order thay are
given, using the corresponding test equipment.
Note
Make sure that all optical connections in the test setups given in
the procedure are dry and clean.
The ambient temperature must be constant (62
C) during the
test. The power meter must be zeroed before the measurement.
Output Power and Stability Tests
Specications:
Optical output power of 10/125m ber:
>
-1dBm
Stability over 15 minutes at constant temperature:60.005dB
Stability over 6h and61C env. temp. window:
Note
The full sequence of tests should be performed rst at
6
0.05dB
1310nm and again at 1550nm. Performing all the tests for one
wavelength together provides the warm-up time for the stability
test.
HP 81554SM Performance Tests D-3
I. Output Power Test
1. Make sure that cable connectors and detector windows are clean.
2. Turn instruments on, enable the laser output of the HP 81554SM and allow
instruments to warm up for at least 20 minutes.
3. On the power meter:
a. Setto the wavelength displayed for the HP 81554SM source channel.
b. Make sure that the CAL parameter on the power meter is set to zero.
c. With the connector adapter, on the optical head, covered with a plastic
5
cap, press
to zero the power meter.
4
Zero
4. Connect the equipment as shown in Figure D-1.
Figure D-1. Performance Test Setup
5. On the HP 8153A with the module under test:
a. Press
4
Param
5
until the
AUX
parameter is selected. Make sure that this
parameter is set toCW.
b. Press
4
Param
5
until the
ATT
parameter is selected. Make sure that this
parameter is set to zero.
6. Measure the output power and note the result in the Test Record.
II. Attenuation Function Test
5
7. On the power meter, press
4
Disp!Ref
5
. Press
to select a display in dB.
4
dB
8. Using the modify keys on the HP 8153A with the module under test,
increase the attenuation and check that the output power changes.
Note the reaction on the Test Record.
D-4 HP 81554SM Performance Tests
9. Set the attenuation to 1.0dB.
III. Modulation Function Test
10. Using a BNC cable, connect the power meter transducer output to the
oscilloscope input and set the oscilloscope as follows: 0.5V/DIV DC coupled,
1ms/DIV.
11. On the power meter, switch the autoranging o and select the 0dBm range.
12. On the HP 8153A with the module under test, press
4
Param
5
to select the
AUX
parameter. Monitor the frequency change on the oscilloscope as you set the
modulation to 270Hz, 1kHz, and then to 2kHz. Use
4*5
and
4+5
to modify the
modulation.
Note the reaction on the Test Record.
IV. Stability Test
1. Enable the HP 81554SM laser output and allow the instruments to warm up
for 20 minutes.
2. Select the channel with the source.
a. Press
b. Press
4
Param
4
Param
5
to select the
5
to select the
AUX
parameter. Set this parameter toCW.
ATT
parameter. Set this parameter to zero.
3. On the power meter:
5
a. Cover the input to the sensor with a plastic cap and press
4
Zero
to zero the
meter.
5
b. Press
4
to select theparameter. Set this parameter to the value
Param
displayed for the source.
c. Press
4
Param
5
to select theTparameter. Set this parameter to1s.
4. Using the HP 81101AC cable, connect the output of the source to the input
of the sensor. Make sure that the cable is xed and that it cannot be moved
during the measurement.
HP 81554SM Performance Tests D-5
5. Select the
MENU
mode on the power meter.
a. Press
b. Press
4
5
Record
4
5
and select the
Edit
to select
STABILTY
T_TOTAL
.
parameter. Set the
to 15 minutes.
c. Press
6. When the stability test has completed, press
application. Press
4
Edit
5
and then
4
Edit
4
5
Exec
5
and then
to run the stability application.
4
5
to select the
More
4
5/4
5
Next
to display the
Prev
Divide this result by 2 to obtain the value for the stability:
DIF F
=
2
Stability(dB
)
Note the result on the Test Record.
7. Repeat the stability measurement (steps 5 and 6) with
hours.
T_TOTAL
DIFF
T_TOTAL
parameter
SHOW
result.
set to 6
D-6 HP 81554SM Performance Tests
Performance Test for the HP 81554SM
Test Facility:
Model HP81554SM Source Module
Page 1 of 4
Report No.
Date
Customer
Tested By
Serial No. Ambient temperature
Options Relative humidity %
Firmware Rev. Line frequency Hz
Special Notes:
C
HP 81554SM Performance Tests D-7
Performance Test for the HP 81554SM
Page 2 of 4
Test Equipment Used:
Description Model No. Trace No. Cal. Due Date
1. Lightwave Multimeter (Std.)(C01) HP 8153A
2. Opt. Head Interface Module (C01) HP 81533A
3. Optical Head 1310nm (C01) HP 81524A
4. Lightwave Multimeter (DUT) HP 8153A
5. Connector Interface HP 81000AI N/A N/A
6. Connector Adapter HP 81000AA N/A N/A
7. Singlemode Fiber HP 81101AC N/A N/A
8. BNC to BNC Cable P/N 8120-1840 N/A N/A
9. Oscilloscope
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
D-8 HP 81554SM Performance Tests
Performance Test for the HP 81554SM
Page 3 of 4
Model HP 81554SM Source Module No. Date
Test Minimum Maximum Measurement
No.Test Description Spec. Result Spec. Uncertainty
1310nm
I.
Output Power Test
Output Power -1dBm 0.1dB
II.
Attenuation Function Test
Passed (P)/Failed (F)
III.
Modulation Function Test
Passed (P)/Failed (F)
IV.
Stability Tests
Stability (15min.) -0.005dB +0.005dB
Stability (6h.) -0.05dB +0.05dB
HP 81554SM Performance Tests D-9
Performance Test for the HP 81554SM
Page 4 of 4
Model HP 81554SM Source Module No. Date
Test Minimum Maximum Measurement
No.Test Description Spec. Result Spec. Uncertainty
1550nm
I.
Output Power Test
Output Power -1dBm 0.1dB
II.
Attenuation Function Test
Passed (P)/Failed (F)
III.
Modulation Function Test
Passed (P)/Failed (F)
IV.
Stability Tests
Stability (15min.) -0.005dB +0.005dB
Stability (6h.) -0.05dB +0.05dB
D-10 HP 81554SM Performance Tests
Cleaning Procedures
The Cleaning Kit
A full cleaning kit contains the following items:
Isopropyl alcohol
This is usually available from pharmaceutical suppliers or chemists
If possible, use alcohol supplied for medical purposes, rather than impure
alcohol or alcohol with additives.
Caution
Do not use other solvents as some can damage plastic materials and claddings.
For example,Acetone dissolves the adhesives used in ber optic devices.
Warning
Never drink this alcohol as this can lead to blindness or other serious damage
to your health.
Cotton-swabs
Use swabs such as Q-tips or other cotton-swabs. These are typically available
from local distributors of medical or hygiene products (such as supermarkets or
pharmacies).
Note
If you are cleaning connector interfaces or adapters, the diameter of the
cotton swab is important. Cotton swabs for babies normally have a smaller
diameter.
Caution
Do not use foam swabs, as these can leave lmy deposits on the surface you
are cleaning.
Store your cotton-swabs carefully and never reuse them. Dust and dirt from
the air or from previous cleaning, can scratch or dirty your optical device.
Soft-tissues
These are available from most stores and distributors of medical and hygiene
products (such as supermarkets or pharmacies).
Use multi-layer tissues made from non-recycled cellulose. These are more
absorbent and softer than other types and they do not scratch the surface of
your device.
Caution
Store your soft-tissues carefully and never reuse them, as dust and dirt from
the air or from previous cleaning can scratch and dirty your optical device.
E
.
Cleaning Procedures E-1
Pipe-cleaner
Compressed Air
This is available from tobacco shops.
Ensure that the bristles of the pipe-cleaner are soft, so that they do not scratch
your device during cleaning.
Caution
Store your pipe-cleaners carefully and never reuse them as dust and dirt from
the air or from previous cleaning can scratch and dirty your optical device.
This is available from laboratory suppliers.
It is essential that your compressed air is free of dust, water and oil. Only use
clean, dry air. If you do not, it can lead to lmy deposits or scratches.
When using compressed air from a can,
Hold the can upright. A slant can cause propellant to escape with the
compressed air and dirty your optical device.
Spray the rst couple of seconds into the air, as the rst stream of
compressed air can contain condensation or propellant. Any condensation
produces a lmy deposit.
If you are using compressed air from a can, you should select one with a
CFC-free propellant, for the sake of the environment.
E-2 Cleaning Procedures
Other Cleaning Tools
To examine devices you also require:
Microscope
Select a microscope with a magnication range of between 50X and 300X.
These should be available from photographic stores or laboratory suppliers.
Ensure that the light source of the microscope is exible. This helps you to
examine your device closely and from dierent angles
A microscope allows you to determine the type of dirt on your device and its
extent. Then you can choose the correct cleaning procedure and later to
examine the results of cleaning. With a microscope you can also determine if
your optical device is scratched.
Ultrasonic bath
This is typically available from photographic stores or laboratory suppliers.
An ultrasonic bath very gently removes greasy and other stubborn dirt from
optical devices.
Only use an ultrasonic bath with isopropyl alcohol, as other solvents can
damage or dirty your optical device.
Warm water and
liquid soap
Use water only if you are sure that your optical device will not corrode or be
damaged. Do not use hot water, as this can lead to mechanical stress that can
damage your optical device. Ensure that your liquid soap has no abrasive
properties or perfume in it, as these can scratch or damage your optical device
Do not use normal washing-up liquid, as it can leave behind an iridescent lm.
Premoistened
cleaning wipes
Polymer lm
These are available from HP. The part number is HP 92193N (80 Wipes per
box). These are tissues that are moistened with isopropyl alcohol.
This is typically available from professional photographic stores or laboratory
suppliers.
Polymer lm is very gentle on optical surfaces and is particularly good for
cleaning extremely sensitive devices such as mirrors.
Infrared sensor
card
This is typically available from laboratory suppliers.
With this card you can qualitatively check the uniformity of your emitted laser
light, because when the laser light is projected onto the sensor card it becomes
visible.
Lens Cleaning
Paper
Some lens cleaning papers and cleaning kits available, for example,in
photographic stores are not suitable for cleaning ber optic devices.To be sure,
please ask the salesperson or the manufacturer.
.
.
Cleaning Procedures E-3
Preserving Connectors
Listed below are some hints on how to keep your connectors in the best possible condition.
Making
Connections
Before you make any connection you must ensure that all cables and
connectors are clean. If they are dirty, use the appropriate cleaning procedure.
When inserting the ferrule of a patchcord into a connector or an adapter, make
sure that the ber end does not touch the outside of the mating connector or
adapter. Otherwise you will rub the ber end against an unsuitable surface,
producing scratches and dirt deposits on the surface of your ber.
Dust Caps and
Shutter Caps
Be careful when replacing dust caps after use. Do not press the bottom of the
cap onto the ber as any dust in the cap can scratch or dirty your ber surface.
When you have nished cleaning, put the dust cap back on, or close the
shutter cap if the equipment is not going to be used immediately.
Keep the caps on the equipment always when it is not in use.
All of Hewlett-Packard's lightwave instruments and accessories are shipped
with either laser shutter caps or dust caps. If you need additional or
replacement dust caps, contact your Hewlett-Packard sales oce.
Immersion Oil
and Other Index
Matching
Compounds
Where it is possible, do not use immersion oil or other index matching
compounds with your device. They are liable to impair and dirty the surface of
the device. In addition, the characteristics of your device can be changed and
your measurement results aected.
Cleaning Instrument Housings
Use a dry and very soft cotton tissue to clean the instrument housing and the keypad. Do not
open the instruments as there is a danger of electric shock, or electrostatic discharge. Opening the
instrument can cause damage to sensitive components, and in addition your warranty will be
voided.
E-4 Cleaning Procedures
Cleaning Procedures
If you are unsure about the correct cleaning procedure for your device or if you are unsure
whether the procedure given here is suitable for your device, check with the manufacturer or
sales distributor, or try the procedure on a dummy or test device rst.
Cleaning Cable Connectors
Cleaning connectors is dicult as the core diameter of a singlemode ber is only about 9m. This
generally means you cannot see streaks or scratches on the surface.To be certain of the condition
of the surface of your connector and to check it after cleaning, you need a microscope.
In the case of scratches, or of dust that has been burnt onto the surface of the connector, you may
have no option but to polish the connector. This depends on the degree of dirtiness, or the depth
of the scratches. This is a dicult procedure and should only be performed by skilled personnel,
and as a last resort as it wears out your connector.
Warning
Never look into the end of an optical cable that is connected to an active source
.
To assess the projection of the emitted light beam you can use an infrared sensor card. Hold the
card approximately 5 cm from the output of the connector. The invisible emitted light is projected
onto the card and becomes visible as a small circular spot.
Preferred
Procedure
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 particularly 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 circular movement.
3. Take a new, dry soft-tissue and remove the alcohol, dissolved sediment and
dust, by rubbing gently over the surface using a small circular movement.
4. Blow away any remaining lint with compressed air.
An Alternative
Procedure
The better, more gentle, but more expensive cleaning procedure is to use an
ultrasonic bath with isopropyl alcohol.
1. Hold the tip of the connector in the bath for at least three minutes.
2. Take a new, dry soft-tissue and remove the alcohol, dissolved sediment and
dust, by rubbing gently over the surface using a small circular movement.
3. Blow away any remaining lint with compressed air.
Cleaning Procedures E-5
Cleaning Connector Adapters
Caution
Some adapters have an anti-reection coating on the back to reduce back reection. This coating
is extremely sensitive to solvents and mechanical abrasion. Extra care is needed when cleaning
these adapters.
Preferred
Procedure
1. Clean the adapter 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 particularly when there is greasy dirt on the adapter:
1. Moisten a new cotton-swab with isopropyl alcohol.
2. Clean the adapter by rubbing the cotton-swab over the surface using a small
circular movement.
3. Take a new, dry soft-tissue and remove the alcohol, dissolved sediment and
dust, by rubbing gently over the surface using a small circular movement.
4. Blow away any remaining lint with compressed air.
Cleaning Connector Interfaces
Caution
Be careful when using pipe-cleaners, as the core and the bristles of the pipe-cleaner are hard
and can damage the interface.
Do not use pipe-cleaners on optical head adapters, as the hard core of normal pipe cleaners can
damage the bottom of an adapter.
Preferred
Procedure
1. Clean the interface by pushing and pulling a new, dry pipe-cleaner into the
opening. Rotate the pipe-cleaner slowly as you do this.
2. Then clean the interface by rubbing a new, dry cotton-swab over the
surface using a small circular movement.
3. Blow away any remaining lint with compressed air.
Procedure for
Stubborn Dirt
Use this procedure particularly when there is greasy dirt on the interface:
1. Moisten a new pipe-cleaner with isopropyl alcohol.
2. Clean the interface by pushing and pulling the pipe-cleaner into the
opening. Rotate the pipe-cleaner slowly as you do this.
3. Moisten a new cotton-swab with isopropyl alcohol.
4. Clean the interface by rubbing the cotton-swab over the surface using a
small circular movement.
5. Using a new, dry pipe-cleaner, and a new, dry cotton-swab remove the
alcohol, any dissolved sediment and dust.
6. Blow away any remaining lint with compressed air.
E-6 Cleaning Procedures
How to clean instruments with a physical contact interface
Where possible, remove any connector interface from the optical output of the
instrument before you start cleaning.
Light dirt
Use compressed air to blow away larger particles of dirt. Clean the instrument's
connector with a dry cotton swab
laments left by the swab
.
. Then you can blow away any remaining
Cleaning in this was is appropriate if there is no fat on the surface of the
device, as it is a very gentle method.
Heavy dirt
If you nd sediments like fat, you should moisten a cotton swab with isopropyl
alcohol and clean the connector. Afterwards, use a soft tissue to remove the
alcohol, any dissolved sediment, and the dust. Any bits left behind can be
blown away with compressed air.
Caution
Cleaning an instrument's connectors is rather tricky, as the core
diameter of a single-mode ber is only about 9m. Usually this
means that you will be unable to see any streaks or scratches on
the surface.
You should use a microscope to be absolutely certain of the
amount of dirt on the surface of your connector, and to check
that it has been thoroughly cleaned.
Do not press the swabs or the soft tissue too hard onto the
optical surface of your device, as this could cause scratches and
other damage.
By using an infrared sensor card you can check whether the projection of the
light beam is correct. Hold the card approximately 50mm/2 inches away from
the output of the connector. The invisible beam is projected onto the card and
becomes visible to the naked eye as a small circular spot. Never look into the
end of an optical output as this can seriously damage your eyesight.
If you are unable to remove the dirt as described above, you should examine
the surface of your optical device using a microscope. Do not try to clean with
other solvents, like Acetone, as this may damage your optical device.
Cleaning Procedures E-7
If you discover scratches, or if the dust has burnt into the surface due to a high
power application, then your only option (depending on the degree of pollution
and depth of the scratches) is to polish the connector.
Polishing connectors is very dicult. We strongly recommend that only skilled
personnel should attempt this. This measure is only to be used if absolutely
necessary, as it will reduce the life span of your optical device.
E-8 Cleaning Procedures
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