Storage precautions for ASPHERIC LENSES COLLIMATORS

Storage Precautions for ASPHERIC LENSES COLLIMATORS (Non-spherical Lens Collimators)

ASPHERIC LENSES COLLIMATORS (Non-spherical Lens Collimators) are high-end optical devices based on high-precision aspheric optical design. Their core component, the aspheric lens, is highly sensitive to storage conditions and handling methods. Improper storage can lead to lens scratches, coating damage, structural deformation, and other issues, directly affecting collimation accuracy and service life. To ensure stable product performance and extend service life, the following professional storage precautions are specially formulated:

I. Storage Environment Requirements

Temperature and Humidity Control

They should be stored in a constant temperature and humidity environment. The recommended temperature range is 15°C - 25°C, and the relative humidity should be controlled at 30% - 60% RH. Avoid sudden temperature changes or high humidity environments.

Do not place the product near high-temperature heat sources (such as ovens, radiator panels), air conditioning outlets, or areas exposed to direct sunlight to prevent thermal expansion and contraction of the lens substrate causing deformation, or high temperatures causing coating aging and peeling. High humidity environments can lead to oxidation of metal structural components and mold growth on the lens surface.

Cleanliness Requirements

The storage space must be highly clean. It is recommended to use a clean room with a cleanliness level of 1000 or above or a sealed dust-proof cabinet to prevent dust and particles from adhering to the aspheric lens surface, causing beam scattering and reduced collimation accuracy.

The storage area should be far from dust sources (such as grinding workshops, material warehouses) and corrosive gas sources (such as acids, alkalis, sulfides) to prevent the lens coating from being corroded or metal adjustment structural components from rusting and jamming.

Electromagnetic and Vibration Isolation

Do not place the product in an environment with strong electromagnetic interference (such as near large transformers, high-frequency equipment) to avoid electromagnetic radiation affecting the internal precision sensor components (if it has an intelligent adjustment function).

The storage location should be stable and away from vibration sources (such as machine tools, conveyor belts) to prevent long-term vibration from causing the internal lens and fiber coupling position to shift or the adjustment structure to loosen, affecting the calibration accuracy during subsequent use.

II. Packaging and Placement Standards

Original Factory Packaging Preservation

Unused collimators should retain the original factory sealed packaging. The desiccant and anti-static bags inside the packaging should be kept intact. Replace the desiccant when it becomes ineffective (it is recommended to check the color change of the desiccant every 3 months).

If the product is taken out of the box but not used immediately, the lens end face should be wrapped with a dust-free anti-static cloth and placed in a sealed anti-static box to prevent the lens from being directly exposed to the air.

Placement Requirements

They should be placed vertically or horizontally and stably. Do not place them upside down or stack them under heavy pressure to prevent the aspheric lens from undergoing micro-deformation due to uneven force or the metal adjustment cylinder from being deformed, resulting in the failure of the adjustment function.

Each product should be placed independently and not mixed with other optical devices or metal tools to prevent scratches on the lens surface or damage to the interface during handling or storage.

III. Operation and Handling Precautions

Handling Operation Standards

When handling the collimator, wear dust-free gloves or finger cots. Do not touch the aspheric lens surface or the fiber end face directly with your hands. Sweat and oils on your hands can remain and corrode the coating, making it difficult to clean.

When moving, handle it gently and hold the metal housing part of the product. Do not pull the fiber cable to prevent the coupling end of the fiber and the lens from loosening or breaking.

Prohibited Operations

Do not disassemble the collimator in the storage area. Improper disassembly can damage the internal sealing structure and optical alignment accuracy, leading to the direct scrapping of the product.

Do not directly rinse the lens surface with alcohol, acetone, or other organic solvents. If cleaning is necessary, use a dust-free cotton swab dipped in a small amount of anhydrous ethanol to gently wipe and let it dry naturally before storage.

IV. Long-Term Storage Maintenance

Regular Inspection

Regularly inspect the product's appearance and performance. If any abnormalities are found, such as scratches on the lens surface or loose adjustment structures, contact the manufacturer for repair or replacement. Products that are stored for a long time (over 3 months) need to undergo an appearance inspection once a month: observe the lens surface through a high-power microscope to check for mold spots, scratches, and stains, and inspect the metal structural parts for oxidation and the fiber optic cables for integrity.

Conduct a performance spot check every six months: select some samples for collimation accuracy and insertion loss tests to ensure that the product performance has not declined.

Moisture-proof and mold-proof treatment

During humid seasons (such as the rainy season), place an adequate amount of silica gel desiccant in the storage cabinet and replace it regularly; if necessary, activate the dehumidification function of the moisture-proof cabinet to maintain a low-humidity environment and prevent the lenses from getting moldy.