Stability studies on GEM prototypes for the upgrade of the ALICE TPC

In this work we show results of experiments aiming to understand the stability of a Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) detector. While operating the detector, we monitor temperature, pressure and humidity in order to understand the contribution of each of these parameters to the behaviour of the devise. We also use a Single Wire proportional counter as a reference detector so to keep track of the gain fluctuations given by external influences (pressure, temperature, gas composition, etc.). In this way it is possible to spot fluctuation due to the intrinsic properties of these new detectors. A special effort is devoted to explaining and discussing different experimental drawbacks that appeared on the way in order to set a precedent, and as far as possible to avoid them in future experiences.