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Re: [OM] Cleaning Mirror in film scanner

Subject: Re: [OM] Cleaning Mirror in film scanner
From: Doug <doug9345@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Sun, 5 Apr 2009 09:43:14 -0400
On Sunday, April 05, 2009 08:46, Chuck Norcutt wrote:

Thanks Chuck you told me what I wanted to know
> Modern first surface mirrors are tougher than most people realize.  They
> are aluminized in a vacuum chamber by sputtering aluminum vapor onto the
> surface to form a thin coating.  As soon as the aluminum is exposed to
> air the surface oxidizes to form a microscopically thin coating of
> aluminum oxide. 

I hadn't thought about the aluminum oxidizing, but should have. I was 
concerned about cleaners attacking it chemically. When you mention aluminum 
oxide It's likely tougher than a lens coating. I think I may use rubbing 
alcohol because that is what I have.


> You might recognize aluminum oxide as the stuff that
> grinding wheels are made of.  So, while in an extremely thin layer, it's
> also very hard.  It should easily stand up to any cleaning solution you
> might reasonably use on any other bit of optics.
>
> I think John Hermanson has spoken here of using bird feathers as a
> sweep.  But I have none such.  :-)

There was a road killed goose down the road the other day, but gone now. 

Our cat hasn't caught one of the starlings despite a great desire to do so, 
nor has the neighbors beagle. 
-- 
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