Notice: GEMs are very fragile devices. Extreme care should be taken when handling them. Gloves need to be worn whenever handling them. Steps should be taken to minimize the GEMs' exposure to air and moisture; working in a clean area such as a clean hood or clean room is advised.
1. Check that mounting frame(s) (G10 boards) are clean and smooth. Use a file or sandpaper if necessary to achieve this. Wash with deionized water followed by ethanol to remove any particles left behind from sanding.
2. Wearing gloves, cut out the GEM from the original sheet, keeping a wide outer edge of film if possible. Store the GEM in a clean plastic bag until ready for gluing. Due to moisture concerns, it is advisable to refrain from speaking while handling a GEM.
3. Secure a clean, smooth piece of plastic to a level surface. The piece of plastic should be the same size as the GEM you are mounting.
4. Use pieces of kapton tape to stretch the GEM over the plastic piece until the GEM is level. Opposite pieces of kapton tape should be stretched simultaneously to ensure an even surface. Repeat stretching procedure on all sets of kapton tape until the GEM is level.
5. Prepare the F113 epoxy according to specifications. This epoxy has a 100:30 ratio. 2g:0.6g is sufficient for mounting a 10cm square GEM. An epoxy with a high viscosity and a low solubility to ethanol is preferred for this application.
6. Load the epoxy into a syringe equipped with a 23-27 gauge needle (this ensures maximum control of the epoxy application). Remember to clearly label the syringe with the type of epoxy inside.
7. Using the syringe, apply a thin line of epoxy, 1/16“-1/8” from the inner edge of the mounting frame.
8. Carefully press the frame onto the GEM in one motion, centering it over the active area. Do not move the frame once it has been laid on the GEM. Pieces of tape will help ensure the frame does not shift once it has been laid down.
9. Cover the active GEM area with a thin piece of plastic. Next, place a weight onto the GEM and frame to keep it in place while allowing for proper curing of the epoxy (minimum of 12 hours).
10. Discard any unused epoxy only after it has fully cured. The needle of the syringe must be disposed of in a designated sharps container.