A Beginner's Guide to Avoiding Common Errors in Aligning an Optical Path

The guide lists the five most common mistakes made in optical alignment, including improper use of tools, incorrect parameter settings, and environmental interference. It also provides solutions to these common pitfalls, helping users master alignment techniques quickly and prolong the life of their equipment.

Why is it that you always fail to calibrate your optical path?

Most beginners who are just getting acquainted with laser equipment tend to get stuck when it comes to aligning the laser's optical path.Some people spent hours adjusting the device but still couldn't get it right, while others accidentally scratched the lens or even damaged the sensor.Don't panic! Today we'll take a look at those seemingly simple but actually very tricky details.

If the tools are not ready, it is like being behind at the starting line.

Using the wrong tool.

Reaching for a tissue to wipe them off? Don't! Fibres from the tissue will cut right through the coating.The proper way is to prepare a special lens paper and a bulb syringe, and first blow away any large dust particles with the syringe, then gently wipe the paper in a spiral pattern from the center outward.

Ignore the level.

If the equipment base is tilted even 0.5 degrees, the light beam is thrown off.It is recommended that the user spend two minutes before each use checking the device with an electronic level, especially after moving it.

A minefield of parameters

They just turn up the volume.

Many beginners think that they can more easily observe the light path if they use the maximum power.It is suggested that the first calibration be done with 10-20 % power, using heat-sensitive paper or an acrylic test plate. This way, the spot can be seen clearly while also protecting the equipment.

Forgetting to compensate for the effect of temperature.

If the air conditioning blows directly onto the equipment, the expansion and contraction of the metal frame could cause a displacement of a few micrometers.When performing precise calibration tasks, the machine is turned on one hour in advance to warm up, and the temperature is kept within three degrees of the desired level.

Environmental interference is easily overlooked.

Reflective objects not cleaned.

The water glass on the table and the phone screen are all possible "secondary reflection sources.On one occasion, a ghostly light kept appearing during tests. After half an hour of frustration, the team finally discovered that the culprit was the reflection of a watch on one of the team members 'arms.

The source of the vibrations is right beside us.

The air-conditioning system, fume hoods, and even footsteps in the corridor can all affect stability.The most bizarre case was when the drilling of a neighbor below caused the alignment to fail three times in a row. The problem was finally solved by adding shock-absorbing rubber feet to the instrument.

Practical tips for beginners.

It is suggested that you prepare a calibration log book, recording each time the environmental temperature and humidity, the tools used, and any abnormal phenomena.If you encounter problems, first check these three things: 1. Cleanliness of the mirror 2. Sturdiness of the tripod 3. Reasonableness of the parameters.Remember, patience is more important than speed.