Laser Detector Filter Removal

Tools and Equipment Required

  • Hex ball driver set
  • Small ziplok bag for storing removed filter
  • (Optional) Tweezers with non-metal (non-scratching) tips
  • (Optional) Gloves for handling optics

Precaution

  • Keep the inside of the interferometer as clean as possible
  • Avoid touching any optical components (other than the filter to be removed)
  • Be careful not to drop the filter inside the interferometer compartment

Procedure

  1. Note the laser intensity prior to performing this procedure.
  2. Stop Ingest and power OFF the AERI at the power bar
  3. Temporarily remove the motor controller to have better access to the reference port (see Fig. 1)
    1. Remove all connectors going to the motor controller
    2. Loosen the two bottom screws holding the motor controller
    3. Remove the top screw holding the motor controller
    4. Remove the motor controller and place is down beside the side-brace of the back-end.  Note that a thermistor will still be attached – usually there’s no need the remove it since the cable is long enough, but it can be temporarily removed if necessary
  4. Remove the black rectangular panel that holds the interferometer reference port (right side of interferometer), taking care not to touch the inside of the panel (see Fig. 1, 2)
    1. Only partially undo the bottom two screws (3-4 turns)
    2. Completely remove the top two screws, taking care not to lose the lockwashers
    3. Gently remove the rectangular panel
    4. Disconnect the connector on the wire attached to the panel
    5. Store the panel temporarily in a clean location
  5. Remove the laser detector filter (see Fig. 3).  It is a small puck-shaped piece of glass, attached to the laser detector (black rectangle with gummy ball on back, on a post) using an adhesive.  Take care not to scratch the filter surface, or apply too much force on the laser detector.
    1. Try to remove the filter using non-metal tipped tweezers (so they don’t scratch the filter)
    2. Alternatively use gloved fingers to gently remove the filter
    3. Take care not to drop the filter inside the interferometer compartment
  6. Replace the rectangular reference port panel
    1. Re-attach the connector to the wire attached to the panel
    2. Gently insert the panel in place, starting with the bottom edge, carefully placing the black  reference port ‘puck’ inside
    3. Ensure that the rectangular panel is completely well seated and flush with the interferometer housing
    4. Tighten all four screws
  7. Turn ON the AERI at the power bar
  8. Note the laser intensity after performing the procedure
  9. If the laser intensity is acceptable, resume Ingest

Figure 1. AERI back-end showing reference port and motor controller

 

Figure 2. AERI reference port

 

Figure 3. View inside reference port showing the laser detector and filter