Dirty diode window

[Thunder22]

I have a red laser that have a dirt on the diode window. It get worse every time I try to remove it. I given up on that already...

 

[VirtueViolater]

I have a red laser that have a dirt on the diode window. It get worse every time I try to remove it. I given up on that already...

Hi Thunder, I did the same thing. From now on, I'll try s blast of canned air and if that doesn't work, I'll try my best to ignore it. The spot I was trying to remove burned in tho so no ignoring that. This was also a nubm 44 running at 4a (5 1/2-6w) so lower mw lasers may not burn so easy (?)

 

[Astralist]

Here is what i usually do when a spot or debris covering the diode window, there will be no problem if you do it properly and with care:

you'll need:

1. small screwdriver, pinset, or something small enough to poke the diode's window.
2. a very small amount of double tape.

What should you do:

1. peel off both side cover of double tape.
2. carefully create a small ball of peeled double tape that can be inserted to the diode's window.
3. carefully by using small screwdriver, pinset, or something small enough to poke the diode's window, you poke gently at the diode's window. Do not use force! Do not rub!

In every of my case, the double tape leaves no residue at all, leaving the window clean as new. :beer:
FYI, i had always used Q-tip back then and always left a small debris whatsoever.
Please note that for me, picking debris one by one by poking it is the last stage of window cleaning process if there is no dried chemical traces on it, you may want to just use Q-tip (with/winthout some rubbing alcohol) at an earlier stage.

 

[VirtueViolater]

Good to know, here's to hoping I don't have to try to clean anymore diode windows....lol

Thanks Ast.
-Danny

 

[Lifetime17]

Hi Ast,
That was really nice to share the series in sequence of how your method of cleaning of a diode. Pretty interesting Thanks for sharing that, everyone has different ways and knowing one more is a plus.. + Rep Buddy.

Rich

 

[barthchris]

I know this way is going to sound iffy but it works for me and has worked many times without problems.
What I use is a toothpick, yes a wooden toothpick! If used in a back and forth motion I can clean debris off the diode window without scratching or smearing the glass. It may take a few tries but it will usually work unless the window is burnt.
As soon as I discover that the window is dirty I will stop using the laser, clean it, and only turn it on for short bursts to confirm its cleaned.

 

[VirtueViolater]

I know this way is going to sound iffy but it works for me and has worked many times without problems.
What I use is a toothpick, yes a wooden toothpick! If used in a back and forth motion I can clean debris off the diode window without scratching or smearing the glass. It may take a few tries but it will usually work unless the window is burnt.
As soon as I discover that the window is dirty I will stop using the laser, clean it, and only turn it on for short bursts to confirm its cleaned.

Sounds good, will try if nessicary. +rep

 

[Pi R Squared]

The best thing to do is to prevent this from happening in the first place. I live in a dusty environment and have several builds and have yet to have this problem. Once you complete a build or you buy a laser, never remove the lens after that unless it needs cleaning or replacement, that way nothing can get on the diode window. Always keep a lens cap on it when not in use so the lens never gets dirty.

Alan

 

[VirtueViolater]

The best thing to do is to prevent this from happening in the first place. I live in a dusty environment and have several builds and have yet to have this problem. Once you complete a build or you buy a laser, never remove the lens after that unless it needs cleaning or replacement, that way nothing can get on the diode window. Always keep a lens cap on it when not in use so the lens never gets dirty.

Alan

No way! Lol
I constantly tweak my builds seeking better heatsinking, output, duty cycle etc. Man, that's half the fun, if i lose a diode, so be it, just means I have a host to rebuild, lol

 

[barthchris]

No way! Lol
I constantly tweak my builds seeking better heatsinking, output, duty cycle etc. Man, that's half the fun, if i lose a diode, so be it, just means I have a host to rebuild, lol

Yeah, Im the same way! Try different lens's, drivers, etc. Id like to be controlled enough to not tweak but I will eventually screw it up somehow.

 

[RedCowboy]

A puff of air from a turkey baster or a lens pen brush and very light cleaning, but acrylic lens I never touch, they are a scratch jjust waiting to happen.

 

[VirtueViolater]

A puff of air from a turkey baster or a lens pen brush and very light cleaning, but acrylic lens I never touch, they are a scratch jjust waiting to happen.

The only purpose for acrylic lenses in my book is to keep dust out till a glass lens goes in lol

 

[Marco Polo]

I've used spit and a q-tip with OK success. For some reason, there are times when you clean it with 99% IPA and no matter what you do, you can't get the diode window clean. When it has happened to me I usually conclude that the optical coating and/or glass are gouged and that there is nothing I can do. I consider it a last-ditch type of thing, but it's turned several dirty/"damaged" diode windows to being almost perfectly clear. As far as I can tell, the optical (dichroic) coating is still intact - I can see it reflecting according to what wavelengths it is made for.

 

[BowtieGuy]

Marco, here is something I've found to work for me; I guess you could say that it's a compromise between the toothpick method, and using a standard Q-tip. "http://laserpointerforums.com/f49/first-contact-polymer-cleaner-question-97011.html#post1415283"