Semrock Master Catalog 2018

Fluorophores
Single-band
Sets
Multiband
Sets
Cubes Laser
Sets
NLO
Filters
TECHNICAL NOTE
You Can Clean Semrock Optical Filters!
Semrock manufactures the most durable optical filters available.
However, it is important to note that while all optical components
should be handled with care, soft-coated filters are especially
susceptible to damage by handling and cleaning. Fortunately,
Semrock supplies only hard-coated filters, so all of Semrock’s filters
may be readily cleaned using the following recommended method.
The following are recommended to properly clean your filters:
• Unpowdered laboratory gloves – prevent finger oils from
contaminating the glass and keep solvents from contacting skin;
• Eye protection – critical for avoiding getting any solvent in your eyes;
• Compressed air – clean, filtered laboratory compressed nitrogen
or air is ideal, but “canned” compressed air or even a rubber “bulb
blower” in a relatively clean environment is acceptable;
• Lint-free swab – cotton-based swabs work best;
• Lens cleaning tissue – lint-free tissue paper is also acceptable;
• Cleaning solvent – we recommend Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA)
and/or Acetone. Care should be taken when handling these
solvents, especially to avoid ingestion.
1. Blow off contaminants. Many contaminants are loosely attached to
the surface and can be blown off. Using laboratory gloves, hold the
filter in one hand and aim the air stream away from the filter. Start
the air stream using a moderate air flow. Maintaining an oblique
angle to the part – never blow straight on the filter surface – now
bring the air stream to the filter, and slowly move it across the
surface. Repeat until no more loose particles are disappearing.
2. Clean filter. If dust or debris remains, it is probably “stuck” to
the surface and must be removed with mechanical force and/or
chemical action. Create a firm but “pointy” tip with the lint-free
wipe or lens tissue by folding it multiple times into a triangular
shape or wrapping it around a swab. Lint-free swabs may also be
used directly in place of a folded wipe. Moisten the wipe or swab
with either IPA or Acetone, but avoid too much excess solvent.
The key to cleaning
the optic is to maintain
one continuous motion
at as constant a speed
as possible. Some
people prefer to
clean using a “figure
8” pattern while others
choose to start in the
center of the part and wipe
outward in a spiral pattern.
Do not stop the wipe on
the surface – keep the wipe
moving at a constant speed, lifting the moving wipe off the part
when you reach the end of the pattern.
3. Inspect filter. Use a room light or any bright light source to
inspect the optic to ensure that it is clean. Tip, tilt, and rotate
the optic while viewing it as close to your eye as you can focus. If
contamination remains, start with a brand new wipe or swab and
repeat step 2 above.
4. Repeat steps 1 – 3 for the other side of the filter if
contamination exists.
Precautions for Edge Blackened Filters
For Semrock edge blackened filters, the above procedures
can be used with the following precautions.
• Only IPA or water based cleaning solutions can be used.
• Acetone, Methanol, and other chemical solutions should be
avoided as they will damage the edge blackening material.
• Aggressive wiping of the blackened edge should be avoided.
Note: IPA and Acetone each have pros and cons, so choose the solvent that
works best for you after trying both.
Watch the video tutorial on how to clean
your optical filters at www.semrock.com
Individual
Filters
SEARCHLIGHT
Dichroic
Beamsplitters
Tunable
Filters
SearchLight allows fluorescence microscope users and optical instrument designers to predetermine the optimal fluorophore,
light source, detector, and optical filter combinations for their microscope or system. By removing the guesswork and hours of
searching multiple sources for spectral data, SearchLight users will be able to eliminate trial-and-error headaches and work more
efficiently. Users may select from an extensive collection of preloaded spectra or upload their own spectral data in this free and
openly accessible tool. Users can also save and share their data securely.
Share: The share feature within SearchLight
enables collaboration across researchers,
engineers, companies and institutions by
creating a unique URL link to the session which
can be emailed to a colleague or collaborator.
Use SearchLight now. Save time later. Try it at:
http://searchlight.semrock.com
More
42