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.