How to clean a Diode?

[1Nick]

i was playing with my 200mw focusable laser today and as i un-focused it, i can see spots. i was certain that it was the lens that was causing these spots, but when i took off the focusing lens and turned my laser on with only the naked diode, i also noticed spots. now i am certain that it is the diode doing this. so does anyone know how to clean a diode? i dont want to do it myself and end up breaking my $50 laser.

 

[KiLLrB]

clean the window on the diode with a glass safe material GENTLY.

 

[Greenmechanic]

Always wash hands before any cleaning procedures. This removes any skin oils, which minimizes the chance for contamination.
Use lab grade Isopropyl Alcohol on a lens cloth
(not Q-tips, paper towels, etc.)
Use a fresh part of the cloth for each single wipe.
Use "feather light" touches on the LD lens.
Also, Teflon tape (dry) used as a final "wipe" will polish the lens.
Wrap it around a Q-tip, making sure no cotton is exposed.
Again use as light of touch as possible.
Keeping checking it with every wipe, when it looks OK, stop! Wipe as little as possible.
Hope this helps you out.
Good Luck!

 

[Soccerfurry7]

This happened to me to. How do i get to the laser. Cause the lens is whats messed up inside the laser diode. Would I have to pop the laser diode out?

 

[Fiddy]

i use a small lens pen

 

[Soccerfurry7]

Can you give me a picture of what this looks like

 

[Fiddy]

like this:

 

[Cel]

I use a cotton stick, it cleans pretty well, but make sure it doesn't leave any fibers on the diode.

 

[wally445]

Can you use acetone on a lense? Ive nearly used all my alchohol but got a lot of acetone. Could it damage the coating?