• Place the pre-indented and drilled gasket approximately in the correct position. Use modeling clay for support if necessary.
• Close the diamond anvil cell (DAC) without inserting the sample.
• Establish contact between the anvils and the gasket – tighten the clamping screws until no interference fringes are visible on the gasket surface around the hole. This ensures proper contact between the bottom anvil and the gasket.
• Reopen carefully the DAC – the gasket should remain in position and maintain good contact with the bottom diamond.
• Proceed with sample loading.

The video animation on the right shows two recommended methods for loading the sample, the Ruby and the PTM. You can also find the same video on our YouTube channel.

Method 1: Common Approach

• Position the Gasket – place a pre-indented and drilled gasket on the lower diamond anvil culet.
• Add Ruby and Sample – using a fine needle and stereomicroscope, place the Ruby and the sample into the gasket hole.
• Inject Pressure Medium – with a fine syringe, inject a drop of pressure-transmitting medium, ensuring no air bubbles are trapped.
• Close the Cell – bring the upper anvil down on top of the gasket to seal the setup.

Method 2: Precise Centering of the Sample

• Apply Grease – spread a small amount of sticky grease on the top culet using a fine needle.
• Position Ruby and Sample – place the Ruby and the sample on the grease.
• Set Up the Gasket – position the pre-indented and drilled gasket on the bottom diamond.
• Inject Pressure Medium – using a fine syringe, inject the pressure-transmitting medium, ensuring no air bubbles are trapped.
• Close the Cell – bring the top anvil down on the gasket, making sure everything is centered.