BASi Low Current Module

Microelectrodes are working electrodes with micrometer dimensions, and are commonly employed for studies in small volumes, in resistive solution, and at high speeds. Due to the micron dimensions, low nA or even pA currents are typically generated in such studies. Although currents of this magnitude can readily be measured using the EC epsilon potentiostat, there are many commerical potentiostats (including the BASi 100B/W, CV-50W, and CV-27) that were designed to measure the µA to mA currents generated by electrodes of millimeters dimensions, and so cannot be directly used for microelectrode studies. Hence, BASi developed the Low Current Module as an accessory that can be used with these and other conventional potentiostats (and waveform generators) to measure low nA and pA currents.

The signal-to-noise ratio is maximized for the Low Current Module by separating the electronics into two boxes. The first box contains the potentiostat and the the current-to-voltage (I-E) transducer, and is mounted inside a Faraday cage (provided by the C3 or C3 Cell Stands) to shield the cell from electrical interferences. In addition, the short cell lead length minimizes stray capacitance while increasing frequency response. The signal from the I-E transducer is then transferred to the PA-1 preamplifier, where it is filtered through a second-order, low-pass, Bessel filter and further amplified if necessary.

Features

• High current amplification
• Low noise. Special shielding and filter minimize electrical interference
• Remote control by BAS 100B/W
• Excellent frequency response. 0.5 Hz to 25 KHz
• Complete package:
  • C-3 Cell Stand, Faraday Cage and Electrodes
  • PA-1 Preamplifier (preamp and second stage amp/filter)
  • µPTE 10 µm Platinum microelectrode
  • Cables
  • Installation and Operations Manual

Specifications