Why Is It Important To Clean Optical Devices; What Do I Need For Proper Cleaning - Agilent Technologies N4373A User Manual

Why is it important to clean optical devices?

What do I need for proper cleaning?

Agilent N4373A Lightwave Component Analyzer, First Edition
In transmission links optical fiber cores are about 9 µm
(0.00035") in diameter. Dust and other particles, however,
can range from tenths to hundredths of microns in diameter.
Their comparative size means that they can cover a part of
the end of a fiber core, and thus degrade the transmission
quality. This will reduce the performance of your system.
Furthermore, the power density may burn dust into the fiber
and cause additional damage (for example, 0 dBm optical
power in a single mode fiber causes a power density of
approximately 16 million W/m2). If this happens,
measurements become inaccurate and non- repeatable.
Cleaning is, therefore, an essential yet difficult task.
Unfortunately, when comparing most published cleaning
recommendations, you will discover that they contain several
inconsistencies. We want to suggest ways to help you clean
your various optical devices, and thus significantly improve
the accuracy and repeatability of your lightwave
measurements.
Standard cleaning equipment
Before you can start your cleaning procedure you need the
following standard equipment:
• Dust and shutter caps
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Cotton swabs
• Soft tissues
• Pipe cleaner
• Compressed air
Dust and shutter caps All Agilent Technologies lightwave
instruments are delivered with either laser shutter caps or
dust caps on the lightwave adapter. Any cables come with
covers to protect the cable ends from damage or
contamination.
Troubleshooting and Maintenance
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