First Contact Polymer Cleaner Question

[Ricker]

Hey everyone, so recently I bought some of the marvelous First Contact cleaner, Photonic Cleaning Technologies - Atomically Clean Optics and Mirrors . This stuff is expensive but works almost flawlessly! And the almost is where the question comes in. See, as I use this stuff to clean my diode windows from a recent extraction, it works wonders but on some (well, most) of the diodes it leaves a little bit of the polymer left over right up against the wall of the window on the diode. Basically what I was wondering is if A. someone has experienced this and found a way to get rid of this left over substance, or B. if I turned on a, say, 7 Watt diode with a little bit of this on the edge would it be fine and just evaporate or ruin my window? Thanks for your time.

P.S. I've added quite a lot of drops to the window, AND on one of the diodes I've redone it 5 times trying to get it to "grab" the residue, which in the instructions is all it says to do if this happens, thanks again for your time!
Nate

Here's one of the diodes with the LEAST amount of residue left.

An idea of what's going on.

 

[RedCowboy]

Maybe a shot of compressed nitrogen through a tiny nozzle to get it loose?

It's used for bicycle and car tires because the molecules are larger than oxygen and leak out slower, our air is 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen and 1% everything else, well basically, but you want the gas without any moisture/humidity. So I would not use an air compressor unless you can be sure the air discharge is moisture and oil free.

 

[Ricker]

Maybe a shot of compressed nitrogen through a tiny nozzle to get it loose?

It's used for bicycle and car tires because the molecules are larger than oxygen and leak out slower, our air is 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen and 1% everything else, well basically, but you want the gas without any moisture/humidity. So I would not use an air compressor unless you can be sure the air discharge is moisture and oil free.

Thanks for the idea RC! I might give it a go.

Really? No one else has ever used this stuff, OR has gotten this problem? :thinking: Thanks in advanced!

 

[Deleted member 16589]

Man I love that stuff. I have the same problem when cleaning the KTP crystals on Green Laser pointers. I Have yet to find a good way to deal with that other than trying again. If its leaving pieces Apply it thicker I always layer it once and then a few seconds layer Before it dries add a second layer.
Corners grooves and little gaps are its kryptonite.

Just a heads up Keep that stuff out of light best to wrap the bottle in aluminum foil When not in use. Also I was told by another forum member he has his wrapped in foil in the back of the fridge. If you have the refill bottles best keep them cool for longer life.

Mine has lost its color from not keeping it in total darkness (and maybe temperature) but it still worked last time I used it.

 

[RedCowboy]

I use a small paint brush to clean delicate lens/windows/acrylic lens.

Actually I try to never touch an acrylic but the little paint brushes are all that I get away with, its like a tiny lens pen as the tiny bristles are splayed at the ends, but I would try a small slightly stiff brush to break that stuff loose, I don't think you will hurt the edges, the center is the hot spot of that diode window, all the energy passes through the center of that window.


This was my 1st ever NUBM44 and it was running at 5 amps, it popped in the first couple days, I must have got something on it when testing different lens, but you see where the power comes out, that is the super critical spot, so I would clean all of it but don't scratch the center.

If you scuffed the edge cleaning it I suspect it would be ok as long as the integrity was good, a surface mar near the edge would likely not be a problem, but I am spitballing here. But the junk around the window edge seems un hurt, heck it could have been scotch tape residue, I don't know, it is interesting though huh?
Any gunk around the edges that could outgas may be a problem, but a cleaning scuff would likely be ok as long as the center is clear, but I am spitballing here.

The very center is what burned, that C crack if a heat fracture from the center burn, that's what I think. I don't think any light passes through that gunky ring around the edge.

 

[BowtieGuy]

If I can't get the dirt/debris off of a lens or diode window, I have used these model detailing brush/swabs for the job as a last resort.
They are very firm compared to a regular cotton swab "Q-tip", but are a similar material, and I haven't had one scratch anything yet. The narrow pointed tip gets into corners well!
When you actually need to touch the surface, and nothing else works, I'd give these a shot. I found these at a hobby and craft type store.

Here is a photo of one shown below a standard size cotton swab for size comparison.

 

[RedCowboy]

That's a good idea Bowtie, that 1st contact should clean release, and being at the edge a nudge with that soft but firm point should do the trick.
Where do you get those?

 

[BowtieGuy]

Hey Red, IIRC, I picked them up at a store called "Hobby Lobby". If want some and can't find any locally, let me know.

 

[Ricker]

Yes that looks perfect! I'm heading there during my lunch it's right up the road from my work. Thank you Bowtie!

 

[Pman]

Extra smalls on Amazon prime:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0026IBC38/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?qid=1460655069&sr=8-3&pi=SX200_QL40&keywords=triangular+swabs&dpPl=1&dpID=11wfowkpy0L&ref=plSrch

Also on hobbylobby:
http://www.hobbylobby.com/Crafts-Hobbies/Model-Kits/Tools-Adhesives/Medium-Triangular-Craft-Cotton-Swabs/p/108439

Man that was a nice find Jeff. Going to order from Amazon. Never seen those before. Where do I get the cleaner again?

 

[Ricker]

I got it from here, 15ml Red First Contact Optical Cleaning Solution Kit | eBay and it only took like 3 days from Washington state to Maine.
You can order the full version with refills for like 220 off of amazon.

 

[Pman]

Man that is expensive stuff. How long will a $50 bottle last? I'm assuming you use just the tiniest dab of it.

 

[RedCowboy]

Important note, heat shrink cap those cans before going to work on a block.

I just ordered more from ebay, it's handy stuff.

 

[Pman]

That looks just like the stuff I bought a couple months ago Red. Lots of handy sizes.

 

[Deleted member 16589]

Man that is expensive stuff. How long will a $50 bottle last? I'm assuming you use just the tiniest dab of it.

It lasts fairly good depending on the size of your optics you are cleaning.

IMO worth every penny and then some. :beer:

Edit: ricker try fanning the fibers out across the first contact Rather than all bunched up in one spot.

I ran out of the string long ago I just use scotch tape to pull it off But if do it that way be careful.

 

[Ricker]

Man that is expensive stuff. How long will a $50 bottle last? I'm assuming you use just the tiniest dab of it.

Well, I've used an 8th of a bottle and have cleaned seven diodes once, and about 4 three more times!

It lasts fairly good depending on the size of your optics you are cleaning.

IMO worth every penny and then some. :beer:

Edit: ricker try fanning the fibers out across the first contact Rather than all bunched up in one spot.

I ran out of the string long ago I just use scotch tape to pull it off But if do it that way be careful.

I'll give that a go!