Cleaning TOSAs and ROSAs
Advanced Optical Components discontinued the use of dust caps for all
TOSA and ROSA components in 2003. The decision to stop using dust caps
was reached through careful examination of the caps, and finding that
they were actually a major contributor to contaminants in the bore of
the OSA. All AOC assembly and packaging is done in a clean room
environment to minimize contamination. Furthermore, it has been found
that the materials used to manufacture the dust caps can lead to ESD
events.
Occasionally it might be necessary to remove debris from
the barrel or lens surface on a TOSA or ROSA component. The only
recommended way to clean these components is with Clean-Dry-Air (CDA)
or Nitrogen. Blowing CDA/Nitrogen into the bore will remove any loose
particles and not damage the integrity of the lens. Cleaning using
solvents such as alcohol or acetone are not recommended. Furthermore,
care should be taken to not allow the propellants from canned CDA from
reaching the optical surface. Expulsion of propellants often happens
when the can is sprayed from an inverted position. It is further
recommended that items such as “bore cleaners” not be used as they can
create scratches on the lens surface as depicted in the figure.
