Cleaning Basics for Optical Components and Hardware

Level: Introductory Length: 4 hours Format: In-Person Lecture Intended Audience: Scientists, engineers, technicians and managers in optics or metal precision part manufacturing businesses with interest in learning more about the influences of surface or part cleaning, as well as the new trends and expectations of new cleanliness standards. Undergraduate training in engineering, science, or technology or in plant experience with component manufacturing is assumed. Description: The cleanliness requirements specific to the optics, photonics and semiconductor industries are crucial to delivering high quality products and stable processes. This course will help explain the basic principles of surface cleaning, and what influences, “How clean is clean?” and “What considerations go into the selection of the equipment and chemistry of cleaning parts?” Given that cleanliness requirements specific to the optics, photonics and semiconductor industries are becoming even more crucial to the process, or those in the supply chain, the goal of the course is to reveal the fundamentals of Time, Temperature, Chemistry, and Mechanics and how they influence the cleaning process. Anyone who would like to understand equipment options and their evolution, and the differences and impact of Aqueous vs. Solvent cleaning methods will benefit from this course. The course will include case studies of Optical/Glass and Metals substrate. Depending upon the level of exposure or experience of the attendee, this course could be considered both an Introduction and re-introduction of the cleaning basics as the course builds up to an Intermediate level of understanding. Upon completion of this course, attendees will have the basic knowledge to identify contamination challenges and make informed judgments on the cleaning solutions that can be applied to overcome these challenges. Learning Outcomes: This course will enable you to: - apply cleaning principles to optics and metal component manufacturing applications. - identify cleaning technologies and how to deploy them effectively. - differentiate between solvent and aqueous cleaning solutions. - identify contamination types: organic and non-organic, molecular, filmic, grease, oil, etc.. - determine a chemistry type suitable for specific contamination removal. - quantify cleanliness grades according to recognized industry standards. Instructor(s): Volker Lehmann is the Director & Business Development Manager of High Purity and Precision Optics, Ecoclean GmbH, Filderstadt. After studying mechanical and process engineering at the University of Stuttgart, Mr. Lehmann began his professional career at Ecoclean (formerly Dürr Ecoclean GmbH) in the technical department and has now more than 28 years of experience in industrial parts cleaning. Tyler Wheeler is the Product Management/Sales/Product Line Manager for Ecoclean Inc. in Southfield Michigan. After his completion of the Manufacturing Engineering Technologies program, Mr. Wheeler has contributed in many capacities during his 14 year tenure with Ecoclean, from Mechanical Engineering to Applications Manager and served on the Global Ecoclean Product Line Development Committee. Mr. Wheeler regularly presents to industry and association groups on new technologies and the evolution of equipment designs needed to meet current and future cleanliness requirements. Event: SPIE Photonics West 2025 Course Held: 27 January 2025