Cleaning LiF Crystals
Procedures:
- In cleaning Lithium Fluoride single crystals, one must take care to avoid contact with water or water vapor.
- Organic liquids such as alcohol and acetone which might contain traces of dissolved water are to be avoided.
- Organic hydrocarbons such as hexane or moisture-free isopropyl alcohol can be used.
- Rubbing should be avoided because even soft paper can damage the polish.
- Ideally, Lithium Fluoride single crystals should be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner and dried by blowing with Nitrogen gas.
- Teflon tweezers should be used to handle the crystals but tweezers should not contact the polished face or faces.
- Start with one crystal first, in order to gauge the efficacy of the selected method of cleaning.
- Contact ESPI if you have questions or need further information.