Fiber Optics Cleaning

Q. Which Alconox brand cleaner can you recommend for fiber optics?  Which would be best suited to clean fiber optic surfaces at the glass joint to assure efficient light transmission?

A. To clean fiber optic components using ultrasonic tanks, use a warm (130F / 55C) 1% Alconox® Powdered Precision Cleaner or Liquinox® Critical Cleaning Liquid Detergent solution followed by a thorough high purity water rinse (distilled, deionized or best of all, reverse osmosis water).

To clean manually, use 1% solution (higher concentrations for more heavily soiled surfaces) with appropriate lint free swabs or tools to clean surfaces followed by rinse wiping and possibly drying with isopropyl alcohol (drying solvent).

You can also use a drying solvent such as isopropyl alcohol after rinsing when you clean with ultrasonics, although it is not entirely necessary. Alconox and Liquinox detergents have emulsifiers that are effective on a broad range of oils, dispersants that are effective on particulates, and contain rinse-aids and anti-redeposition agents that allow then to rinse away freely without redepositing any residues.  This ensures a completely clean surface, and allows for maximum light transmission efficiency.  This is of course critical in optics.

To request these or any Alconox, Inc. detergents for free, please complete the questionnaire at Get Sample. For more information about any one of our Alconox, Inc. detergents, consult the technical bulletin for each product. Or click here to access each of our detergent’s  Safety Data Sheets.

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Contact us any time: cleaning@alconox.com