SINGLE DISC ELECTRODESTM (SDEs) (Microfrabricated Single Disc Electrodes)

MDEA DEVICES	Number of Discs	Disc dimensions	Active Area	Conductor
SDE Au 0.1	1 disc	0.357 cm diameter	0.10 cm2	Au
SDE Au 0.01	1 disc	0.036 cm diameter	0.01 cm2	Au
SDE Pt 0.1	1 disc	0.357 cm diameter	0.10 cm2	Pt
SDE Pt 0.01	1 disc	0.036 cm diameter	0.01 cm2	Pt

	SDE Brochure (PDF)	SDE Prices	Price List
Introduction and Background	Applications of SDEs	Technical Specifications	SDE Accessories	Methods	Application Notes

Introduction and Background Ø Single Disc Electrodes (SDEs) are inert, microfabricaed electrodes formed from a microlithographically patterned insulator-on-conductor-on-insulator configuration. They are designed for the study of electrical and electrochemical properties of thin polymeric films and coatings, for applications in microelectrochemistry, for electrical/electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and for chemical and biological sensor development. Ø Microfabricated from 100 nm magnetron sputter-deposited gold (Au), e-gun vapor-deposited platinum (Pt), or conductive indium tin oxide (ITO) on an electronics grade borosilicate glass, these devices are supplied in two disc diameters. A 500nm thin silicon nitride layer is applied over the conductor and is microlithographically windowed using reactive ion etching to reveal a precisely patterned window to the metal beneath and a bonding pad. SDEs are avalable as un-packaged die. Ø SDE chips of gold, platinum or ITO are available with 0.357 cm diameter (A=0.10 cm2) or 0.0357 cm diameter (A=0.01cm2 ) discs. Ø In research and product development, these devices are widely used for electrochemical, bio-electrochemical, biofuel cell, electrical and electrochemical impedacne spectroscopy. Ø These electrodes/devices are particulary necessary when a precisely defined area electrode is required. Back to Index Applications of SDEs Applications of MDEAs in research and product development include: Ø As a substrate electrode for the deposition of electroactive polymer thin films, alkane thiol monlayers, for electrodeposition of carbon nanotubes, for SAM innobilization of enzymes and enzyme-linked antibodies for biosensor development. Ø For the study of electrical and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of organic thin films and coatings and carbon nanotubes. Ø As a capacitance probe during the deposition or cure of an organic thin film or polymer e.g. Films based on Langmuir-Blodgett thin film deposition or cure of an epoxy. Ø In modern microelectrochemistry -- as generator and collector electrodes in electrochemical amplification or in the performance of electroanalysis in high impedance environments. The microdisc electrode format allows accommodates radial diffusion . Ø In conductimetry studies. To determine the conductance of low conductivity media and in conductimetric titrations. Ø In coatings research and development. For example, to study the transport of water into and through a coating or to study the physical aging of the polymer upon environmental exposure or accelerated aging. Back to Index Technical Specifications
	Ø Chip Substrate:	Schott D263 Borosilicate Glass
		Dielectric Constant, Epsilon(r) at 1 MHz			6.7
		Dielectric Loss Angle, tan delta, at 1 MHz			61 x 10-4
		Electrical Resistivity (50 Hz) (250 C)			1.6 x 10^8 ohm cm
		Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion, * 20-300 Deg C			7.2 x 10^-6 K^-1
		Refractive Index at 20 C, ne ( Lambda = 546.1 nm)			1.5249
	Ø Metallization:	100 Å Ti|W / 1000 Å Au or Pt and ITO = 10 Ohms/sq
	Ø Insulating Top Layer:	Silicon Nitride (Si3N4)
				No of Discs		Electroactive Area (cm2)	Geometric Area (cm2)
	Ø SDE 0.10		A single disc, 0.357 cm diameter.	1		1.0 x10-1	1.0 x10-1
	Ø SDE 0.01		A single disc, 0.0357 cm diameter	1		1.0 x10-2	1.0 x10-2
	Ø SDE Chip Dimensions		Un-packaged Die	Packaged Die
			(l x w x t)	(l x w x t)
	SDE X.XX		1.00 x 0.50 x 0.05 cm	N.A.
	Ø Packaging
	Electrode Body:		N.A.
	Encapsulant:		N.A.
	Leadwires:		N.A.
	Back to Index

MDEA Accessories
	Wand	Test Clip
Lead Length	4.5 cm	N/A
Connector Type	Gold Plated Pins	Gold Plated Pins
Number of Conductors	4	4
Lead	Rigid Wand - PCB	Spring Loaded Pinch Clip
Part No.	IME 4C Chip Carrier	STC 4P

 Back to Index

Methods Ø Films or coatings may be applied to the SDE device by dip coating, spin casting, spray painting, air-brushing, brush painting, by Langmuir-Blodgett thin film deposition technique, by electropolymerization, and/or by molecular self assembly. Ø The chip may be immersed in organic, or aqueous medium to a level above the geometric area occupied by microdiscs. Ø Electrical contact is made via the bonding pad provided on one end of the long aqxis of the chip. Bonding may be via low temperatre soldering (650-700 C), conductive epoxy,   Back to Index Application Notes For further information, request Application Notes or you may download application note files: Single Disc Electrodes (SDETM) is the tradename for a family of devices developed by ABTECH. Also called microelectrodes, these devices are microfabricated (using microelectronics fabrication techniques) to form patterns of conductors deposited on an insulating substrate chip. Back to Index

Contact: Ann M. Wilson, Manager,
Applications Development ABTECH Scientific, Inc.
800 East Leigh Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219
Telephone Number: +1-804-783-7829 Fax Number: +1-804-783-7830
e-mail: sales@abtechsci.com

Last Revision 04/03/2010, (c) 2000-2010 ABTECH Scientific, Inc.