The glow discharger is used to make the EM grids hydrophilic prior to sample application. This version uses air plasma for glow discharging, creating a negative surface. Subsequent treatment with magnesium acetate can create a positive surface.

1. Lock into the system by registering you badge at the toolsquare unit. Only now electricity will be supplied to the glow discharger.
2. If the glow discharger does not power up automatically, switch on the glow discharger with the main power button located in the back of the machine.
3. Carefully raise the plastic cover and rest it on the rubber area. Place a small glass slide on the metal surface and close the plastic cover. Important: Make sure that the cover is properly sealing the area, as a leak would blow away things place in the chamber. Cleaning of the seal ring and lid with Isopropanol or Ethanol is recommended.
4. Switch on the vacuum using the I/O button at the front.
5. Use the timer button to set a glow discharge time of 1 minute. The current dial should be set to 30 mA.
6. Once the vacuum reaches 0.3 mbar the glow discharging can be started using the OK button of the timer. During this time the current can be adjusted to 4-5 mA using the voltage dial. Proper creation of plasma can be observed by the pink glow in the chamber.
7. After the timer ran out, the chamber can be vented by switching the I/O button in the front to off. Wait a short time for the vacuum to dissipate.
8. Place the EM grids, top side facing upwards onto the freshly cleaned glass slide and repeat steps 3-6 with a glow discharge time of 30 s. Normally, the current does not need any readjustment at this stage.
9. The grids should be used immediately after glow discharging. Longer storage (>1 h) makes the grids hydrophobic again and they can only be glow discharged once.
10. After usage, log yourself out of the toolsquare system and place the plastic covers over the glow discharging area.