2-17
Making Measurements
Cleaning Connections for Accurate Measurements
To clean a non-lensed connector
CAUTION
Do not use any type of foam swab to clean optical fiber ends. Foam swabs can
leave filmy deposits on fiber ends that can degrade performance.
1
Apply pure isopropyl alcohol to a clean lint-free cotton swab or lens paper.
Cotton swabs can be used as long as no cotton fibers remain on the fiber end
after cleaning.
2
Clean the ferrules and other parts of the connector while avoiding the end of
the fiber.
3
Apply isopropyl alcohol to a new clean lint-free cotton swab or lens paper.
4
Clean the fiber end with the swab or lens paper.
Do
not
scrub during this initial cleaning because grit can be caught in the
swab and become a gouging element.
5
Immediately dry the fiber end with a clean, dry, lint-free cotton swab or lens
paper.
6
Blow across the connector end face from a distance of 6 to 8 inches using
filtered, dry, compressed air. Aim the compressed air at a shallow angle to the
fiber end face.
Nitrogen gas or compressed dust remover can also be used.
Table 2-2. Dust Caps Provided with Lightwave Instruments
Item Agilent Part Number
Laser shutter cap 08145-64521
FC/PC dust cap 08154-44102
Biconic dust cap 08154-44105
DIN dust cap 5040-9364
HMS10/dust cap 5040-9361
ST dust cap 5040-9366