Photonics and Analytical Marketing can supply an innovative cleaning solution for keeping precision optics free of potentially-damaging debris by applying a peel-off polymer layer to the optics
Whether it's an image of the universe or a snap shot for the family album a pristine clean lens is crucial to capture that special moment.
Photonics and Analytical Marketing is distributing the First Contact Polymer Solutions cleaning system which can be applied to any sensitive lenses, from those used on Hubble sized telescopes to the humble pocket camera.
Developed at a leading United States university, First Contact is the perfect application for removing dust, fingerprints, residues and other contamination from delicate lenses like first surface mirrors on telescopes, scientific instruments, projectors, diffraction gratings, phase masks, pinholes, all metals and even diamonds.
The Hope Diamond, arguably the most famous jewel in the world, has successfully had the First Contact treatment, along with other exquisite gems at the National Gem and Mineral Collection in the USA.
American space agency Nasa, airline giant Boeing and Harvard University are among the many other satisfied customers to have used the formula.
Once applied by a brush kit or spray application, First Contact forms a protective coating which adheres tightly to the surface, providing an effective water-tight barrier against grease, particles, and vapour.
The polymer film is also ideal for protecting surfaces during shipping or for storage.
Drying time depends on the size of the surface and can take from 15-20 minutes, to several hours for larger optics.
However, once dry the flexible coating comes off easily using special lint-free peel tabs at the film edge, removing dust and other tiny particles to leave an amazingly clean surface.
Astronomer Chris Nuttall from York used the spray application to clean an eight inch diameter first surface mirror on his telescope and was delighted with the end result.
He said: "The surface is made of aluminum which is very delicate and there is a danger of scratching.
"That's the great thing about First Contact Polymer Solutions.
"The solution is sprayed on and when the dry, the film lifted cleanly away using the lint free tab, removing all the dust and particles, and without breaking or tearing so there is no physical touching of the mirror surface.
"First Contact is far superior than anything else I have tried and I would recommend it to other people".
This remarkable cleaning solution is proving a huge success in America and the product is already being equally well received in the UK.
