How do you store (safe-keep) beam-splitters?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the safe storage of cube beam splitters, focusing on preventing dust accumulation and potential damage. Participants explore various methods and materials for storing these optical components without compromising their integrity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their experience with a cube beam splitter wrapped in tracing paper and expresses concern about dust accumulation and cleaning sensitivity.
  • Another participant suggests using shrink wrap as a potential storage method.
  • A different participant shares a negative experience with vinyl wraps, noting they left stains on the glass surface.
  • One participant clarifies their suggestion of wrapping materials, indicating they meant polyethylene-based food storage wraps, and proposes using an unlubricated condom or dipping the splitter in liquid latex as alternatives.
  • Another participant expresses skepticism about using acetone for storage, while considering isopropyl alcohol.
  • One participant advises against using polyethylene due to oil exudation and recommends using lint-free lens cloths and a solid non-ferrous box for storage, suggesting foam lining for added security.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple competing views on storage methods, with no consensus on the best approach. Concerns about the effects of certain materials on optics are raised, indicating a lack of agreement on suitable options.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention specific materials and their potential drawbacks, but there are unresolved concerns regarding the compatibility of various storage methods with optical components.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals working with optical components, particularly those involved in experimental physics or engineering, may find the discussion relevant.

Callaghan
Messages
13
Reaction score
0
someone purchased cube beam splitter years ago, it was wrapped around in tracing paper, really delicately.

I un-wrapped it , and used it for my experiment.

Now, my experiment is done, and I don't know how to store it safely.

If I leave it on the shelf carelessly, the beamsplitter will get dusty, and I don't want to do this.
Cleaning the optics is really sensitive.

How do you store or safe keep cube beam splitters? without getting dust and no worries about falling and breaking? (size: 1 inch X 1 inch X 1 inch)
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Shrink wrap?
 
wrapping vinyls... I tried that before, but those wraps left really dirty (not dust) stain on the glass surface of the cube beam splitter...

not a good idea...
 
Actually, I didn't mean vinyl. I was referring to the type used for storing food or laminating documents. Both, as far as I know, are polyethylene-based rather than polyvinyl.
As far as that goes, maybe you could just use an unlubricated condom and tie a knot in it.
Another thing that might work, which the previous sentence brought to mind, is that you could just dip it into liquid latex (available from hobby shops for modelling or even fabric stores in the guise of "Speed Sew"). It will peel off cleanly with no residue when you want to open it.
 
yes, that was what I meant. the type used for storing food. that left stain on the surface.

dipping into the liquid...

Are there any other candidate?

latex,
Isopropyl alcohol (stored in laboratory)
Acetone (stored in laboratory)

probably not acetone...
 
Oh...
I'll go think on it some more...
By the bye, I edited my last post with additions which might have been after the part that you responded to. Probably still inapplicable, but what the hey...
 
polyethylene exudes oils its not good for optics. get a couple photographers lint free lens cloths and wrap them inside and store inside a solid non ferrous box.(want extra security use the same foam lining as a photographers case.)
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Danger

Similar threads

Image position in an optical system?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
How Do You Calculate the Safe Work Load of a T Beam?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Graduate How are quantum optical experiments designed? ;)
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Undergrad How to create the operator of unknown beamsplitter
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
How Does a Michelson Interferometer Measure Distances?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
Misc. How Can I Best Insulate a Safe to Protect Heat-Sensitive Materials?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
How Do You Calculate Miller Stability in Excel?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
Graduate Understanding Non-Linear Optical Interference: The Role of Energy Equations"
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
High School How do you magnetize a circular magnet?
  • · Replies 90 ·
4
Replies
90
Views
15K
How Do You Calculate Energy Stored in Specific Capacitors Within a Network?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K