PELCO easiGlow™ Glow Discharge Cleaning System

For one of the most common glow discharge applications, making TEM support films or grids hydrophilic using air, the PELCO easiGlow™ uses an automated and quick cycle with fully selectable parameters. The microprocessor controlled system also offers full manual control for all parameters and an advanced protocol programming feature for custom designed glow discharge applications. Parameters and protocols can be stored to facilitate consistent glow discharge results. Open the shipping box, plug it in, and you can start.

Full List of Specifications

The PELCO easiGlow™ Glow Discharge Cleaning System is a compact, quick and easy to use standalone system. It is primarily designed for cleaning TEM grids and hydrophilization of TEM carbon support films, which have the tendency to be hydrophobic. A glow discharge treatment with air will make a carbon film surface negatively charged (hydrophilic) which allows aqueous solutions to spread easily. Manufactured in USA.

With increasingly demanding imaging applications, using clean and consistent quality TEM grids and supports has become more important than ever. Glow discharge treatment of TEM grids removes adsorbed hydro carbons, cleaning them while making them hydrophilic. The PELCO easiGlow™ is an affordable and easy to operate glow discharge system for any TEM lab.

The practical chamber size with its newly designed glow discharge head and adjustable stage with glass slide holder allows for easy loading and fast turnaround times. The system is fully microprocessor controlled and includes an intelligent touch screen device for control and display of operation parameters. The PELCO easiGlow™ supports both hydrophilic and hydrophobic treatment with either negative or positive charge and includes two separately controlled gas inlets. The required vacuum level is set by an electronically controlled precision proportional valve. This novel approach eliminates manual setting with a needle valve. A gentle venting procedure ensures that the TEM grids are not disturbed when the system is vented.

Glow Discharge Methods Supported

Surface Condition	Charge	Atmosphere
Hydrophilic	Negative	Air
Hydrophilic	Positive	Air (with subsequent magnesium Acetate treatment)
Hydrophobic	Positive	Amylamine (Pentylamine)
Hydrophobic	Negative	Methanol

Reference for glow discharge and use of amylamine to obtain Hydrophobic; positively charged surfaces: Hayat, M.A.2000. Principles and Techniques of Electron Microscopy Biological Applications, page 237-241. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 052163287

Reference for glow discharge and use of subsequent Magnesium Acetate treatment to obtain Hydrophylic; charged surfaces: Portmann, R., and Koller, Th. 1976. The divalent cation method for protein-free spreading of nucleic acid molecules. In Proceedings of the 6th European Congress on Electron Microscopy, Vol.2, p546.

Advantages of the PELCO easiGlow™ System

Optimized for cleaning TEM grids
Precise and easy vacuum setting
Short cycle times
Consistent results
Auto, programmed and manual mode
Intuitive touch screen for display and operation
Supports hydrophilic/hydrophobic and negative/positive modes
Affordable, compact, standalone system

Specifications of the PELCO easiGlow™ Glow Discharge System

Plasma Current	0-30 mA
HV Power supply	30W Continuous Rating
Glow Discharge Head Polarity	User Selectable positive or negative
Process Platform	Ø75mm with recess for 25 x 75mm slide
Glow Discharge Platform Height Control	1-25 mm
Preprocess Hold Timer	0-14411 sec.
Process Timer	0-900 sec.
Chamber Size	Ø120 x 100mm H with sealed Delrin^® top plate (inside Ø106 x 90mm)
Process/Vent gas inlets	2 each Ø6 mm barbed, individually user selectable for process, purge or vent
High Voltage Vacuum Interlocks	Dual hardware and software interlocked
Vacuum Control	Pirani Gauge, ranging from atmosphere to 0.01 mbar
Working Vacuum Range	1.1 - 0.20 mbar for optimal glow
System Control / Display	3" Touch Panel with LED backlight and 5 function keys
Operation Modes	Auto Programmed (4 user programmed protocols) Manual/Diagnostics
Data Logging Capabilities	Step #, Vacuum (mbar), Current (mA), Voltage (V), and polarity, once per second
Instrument Size	305 L x 292 D x 230mm H (12 x 11-1/2 x 9 ")
Weight	6.26 kg (13.8 lbs.)
GD4 Pump (optional)	337 L x 138 D x 244mm H (13.3 x 5.4 x 9.6 ")
Weight	11 kg (24 lbs.)
Laboratory Footprint with optional pump	381 W x 292 D x 330mm H (15 x 11-1/2 x 13 ")
Power Requirements	120V 60Hz, 15A or 230V 50Hz, 10A Service
Instrument Power Rating	100-240VAC 60/50Hz 60W Plus Pump, IEC Inlet
Optional Pump Power Rating	120/230V 60/50Hz 370 W (1/2 hp)
Vacuum Pump Minimum requirements	2.5 m³/hr, 41 l/m, 1.65 CFM 0.03 mbar Ultimate Vacuum
Vacuum Pump Power Outlet on Instrument	8A max IEC Outlet
Vacuum Inlet	KF 16 flange
Data Logging Capabilities	Step #, Vacuum (mbar), Current (mA), Voltage (V), and polarity, once per second
Communication Port	USB Outlet

Product Videos

Dual Chamber PELCO easiGlow™ System

For those labs which need both hydrophilic and hydrophobic surface treatments on a regular base, a dual glow discharge system is available to avoid cross contamination of the glow discharge chambers. Hydrophobic surfaces are preferable when organic solvents are used.

PELCO easiGlow™ Cryo-EM Glow Discharge Set

For easier ordering, we have created a bundle including all items needed for a typical glow discharge setup in a cryo-EM lab. This convenient set includes, in addition to a PELCO easiGlow™ unit, a specially matched vacuum pump with all accessories, a rubber gasket to protect the glass chamber edge, as well as one PELCO® Grid Holder Block, a handy alternative to putting your grids on glass slides. The Grid Holder Block is included in the bundle free of charge, a savings of $60.

Cryo-EM Supplies Overview