How to prevent physical damage to quartz lenses?
The significance of quartz lenses in a variety of fields, including optical instruments, scientific research equipment, and photographic equipment, is attributable to their high transparency, low dispersion, and good chemical stability. It is therefore imperative to acquire a certain level of expertise in order to prevent physical damage.
- Preventive measures during the operation process
- Wear appropriate gloves
When handling quartz lenses, it is essential to wear powder-free and soft gloves, such as acrylic gloves or finger cots. Ordinary cotton gloves may shed lint. Once lint attaches to the lens surface, it becomes a challenge to remove, and it can also result in scratching during cleaning. The presence of powder in powder-coated gloves can contaminate the lenses and compromise their optical performance.
- Use the correct way to take it
Hold the edge of the lens when handling it to avoid touching the optical surface. The presence of grease, perspiration and other substances on the fingers has the potential to contaminate the lens, which may result in unintentional scratches. Should a larger lens require lifting, a special lens clamp can be utilized to ensure stability during operation, thereby preventing slippage and damage from collisions.
- Handle with care
When placing or moving the lens, please exercise caution to avoid colliding with other objects. Even minor impacts can result in surface cracks or chips, which can significantly compromise the lens’s optical performance.
- Key points for protection during storage
- Choose the appropriate storage container
Quartz lenses require storage in dedicated lens cases or containers, with sponge pads included. The design of the lens box should include a mechanism to secure the lens and prevent it from shaking during storage. The sponge liner fulfils a buffer function, thereby preventing the lens from coming into direct contact with the container wall and avoiding any potential damage. In the absence of a dedicated lens case, it is possible to wrap the lens in soft fabric and place it in a box of appropriate size.
- Maintain a dry storage environment
A damp environment may cause mould or corrosion on the surface of the lens, reducing its transparency and optical performance. Therefore, desiccants, such as silica gel desiccants, should be placed in the storage containers to absorb excess moisture. It is also important to regularly check the condition of the desiccant. When it changes color or becomes ineffective, replace it in a timely manner to ensure that the storage environment remains dry at all times.
- Avoid multi-layer stacking
To avoid any potential damage to the lower lenses resulting from excessive pressure, please refrain from stacking multiple lenses in multiple layers. Each lens should be stored individually, or, when stacked, soft spacers such as thin sponge sheets or soft cloths should be used to separate the layers and reduce mutual compression between the lenses.
- Precautions for cleaning and maintenance
- Use appropriate cleaning tools
When cleaning the lens, please use special optical lens paper or a soft suede cloth. The lens is characterized by a soft surface that is resistant to scratching. It is important to avoid using ordinary tissues or rough cloths, as these materials may contain hard particles that could scratch the lens during the wiping process. At the same time, prepare a soft-bristled brush to gently brush off the dust on the surface of the lens before cleaning to prevent scratches caused by dust during wiping.
- Use appropriatecleaning method
When cleaning the lens, it is recommended that users first use a soft-bristled brush to gently remove any dust on the surface. Then, dip the lens paper in an appropriate amount of special optical cleaner and start from the centre of the lens, gently wiping outward in a spiral. Please exercise caution when handling the lens to prevent any unnecessary damage. If the stains on the lens surface persist, please repeat the above steps, but avoid wiping back and forth to prevent scratching. Once the cleaning process is complete, allow the lens to air dry naturally or use a clean lens paper to gently absorb the remaining cleaning agent.
