Laser Spectroscopy: Three Tips for Extending the Life of Your Equipment

This manual covers three practical areas: cleaning and maintenance, environmental monitoring, and periodic calibration. It helps users to extend the life of their equipment and ensure the accuracy of their experiments.Keywords include daily maintenance of laser spectrometers, methods of extending the life of equipment, and instructions for cleaning optical components. The content is easy to understand, and the guide is very practical.

Keep things clean, and don't let dust get in the way.

The most important thing to avoid with a laser spectrometer is dust and dirt.If optical lenses get smudged with fingerprints or grease, not only will the results of experiments be affected, but also the distribution of laser energy will become uneven, which could even damage components over time.

Don't be lazy about cleaning the lenses.

Clean the lens with professional lens paper and alcohol at least once a week. When cleaning, gently wipe in one direction only and never scrub back and forth.For stubborn stains, you can first blow off the dust with compressed air.

Don't forget the cracks in the shell.

The ventilation holes and seams of the equipment case are prone to accumulating dust, so it is recommended that you clean them once a month with a soft brush.Don't use a damp cloth to wipe it, or the water may seep in.

Environmental monitoring is more important than you think.

Laser equipment is very sensitive to the environment, and fluctuations in temperature and humidity can cause components to age quickly.The ideal temperature for a laboratory is 20-25 degrees Celsius, with humidity controlled between 40 and 60 %, and the temperature should not fluctuate too much.

Don't just use a thermometer as an ornament.

He places a thermometer with an alarm function next to the equipment, and when it exceeds the standard, he quickly makes adjustments.In the summer, when you are running the air conditioning, make sure that the cool air does not blow directly on the equipment. In the winter, a humidifier should be at least one meter away from the computer.

Earthquake prevention measures must be in place.

The best way to build an experimental workbench is to use vibration-reducing brackets, and don't put any vibratory equipment like centrifuges or shakers nearby.When moving the equipment, remember to lock the adjustment screws.

Calibration cannot be skipped.

Even the best equipment will show signs of wear after a while. We recommend that you do a basic calibration every three months, and a quick calibration before important experiments.

Optical axis alignment.

They then check the laser beam's position on a target, and if it is more than 2 millimeters off center, they adjust the mirror's mount.When adjusting, first loosen the screws, then make the fine adjustments. Don't force the adjustment.

Energy distribution test.

If the energy levels fluctuate by more than 5 %, it may be necessary to replace the aged beam splitter.During testing, be sure to wear safety goggles. Safety first!

If you can stick to those three points, your laser spectroscope will work fine for five or six years.Maintaining it is like exercising--you can't see the difference in the short term, but in the long run you know it's worth it.