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The K100X Glow Discharge (Plasma) Unit for Carbon Film Treatment & Etching

Hydrophilisation: Freshly made Carbon support films tend to have a hydrophobic surface which inhibits the spreading of suspensions of particles in negative staining solutions.K100X Glow discharge Unit | Image Pop Up However, after Glow Discharge treatment with Air, the Carbon Film is made Hydrophilic and Negatively charged, thus allowing easy spreading of aqueous suspensions. With subsequent Magnesium Acetate treatment the surface is made Hydrophilic and Positively charged.

In addition to Glow Discharge treatment using air, other Process Gasses may be used to modify surface properties. For example, if Alkylamine is used as a process gas, the Carbon Film surface will become Hydrophobic and positively charged. On the other hand, using Methanol as a Process Gas results in the surface becoming Hydrophobic and Negatively charged.

Such treatments can facilitate the optional absorption of selected Biomolecules.

Glow Disharge Summary

AtmosphereSurfaceCharge
Air Hydrophilic Negative
Air Hydrophilic Positive (With subsequent Magnesium Acetate Treatment)
Alkylamine Hydrophobic Positive
Methanol Hydrophobic Negative

Surface Cleaning

In many instances, surfaces need to be completely cleared of contamination films or deposits. This applies particularly to EM components where such deposits impair the maintenance of a clean vacuum system.

A Glow Discharge treatment can be used to clean such components of undesirable residues.

D.C. Glow Discharge

In the DC+ Mode, the Glow Discharge system can draw up 1.5Kv. This allows high efficiency ion etching of the specimen surface to remove, for example, oxide or resist layers.

Glow Discharge

The Polarity of the Head can be switched from Positive to Negative with respect to Earth, for Carbon Film Surface Treatment or Surface Etching of Metallic Specimens.

Specifications of the K100X Glow Discharge Unit:

Plasma Voltage - 0 - 1000V Variable DC @ 100mA.
Electrode Polarity - +DC or -DC with Stainless Steel Electrode 60mm Dia.
Chamber (Glass) - 165mm Dia x 125mm H.
Safety Shield - Polycarbonate.
H.T. Vacuum Interlock.
Needle Valve Bleed Control.
Instrument Case: - 450mm W x 350mm D x 175mm H.
Weight: - 18.0Kg.

Services.
Electrical Supply. - 230V 50 Hz 6 Amp Max Supply. 115V 60 Hz12 Amp max. Supply.
Vacuum Pump - No. 5 Pump or similar (Approx. 6m3/Hour) pumping speed. Oil Mist Filter, Vacuum Hose, (Included with Instrument.)

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