Abstract
In tissue impedance measurements with the 4-electrode assembly, unexpected difficulties may occur because a combination of electrode impedance and stray capacitance in the array of four electrodes, can lead to serious measuring failures in the low-frequency range. An optimal solution to this problem can be obtained if the electrode impedances are frequency independent. A comparative study of the electrode impedances of Pt and PtIr electrodes and of a new electrode material (Ir-AIROF) is reported. It is shown that the impedance of Ir-AIROF electrodes is relatively low and almost frequency independent. Therefore the use of Ir-AIROF electrodes provides a solution to the problem mentioned above.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
References
Block, M. T. (1968) The electrical and biological properties of tungsten microelectrodes.Med. & Biol. Eng.,6, 517–525.
Boer, R. W. de andOosterom, A. van (1978) Electrical properties of platinum electrodes.Med. & Biol. Eng. & Comput.,16, 1–10.
Buchthal, F., Guld, Ch. andRosenfalck, P. (1957) Volume conduction of the spike of the motor unit potential investigated with a new type of multi-electrode.Acta Physiol. Scand.,38, 331–354.
Gottesfeld, S., McIntyre, J. D. E., Beni, G. andShay, J. L. (1978) Electrochromism in anodic iridium oxide films.Appl. Phys. Lett.,33, 208–210.
Gottesfeld, S. andMcIntyre, J. D. E. (1979) Electrochromism in anodic iridium oxide films. II. pH effects on corrosion stability and the mechanism of coloration and bleaching.J. Electrochem. Soc.: Electrochemical science and technology,126, 742–750.
Oosterom, A. van, Boer, R. W. de andDam, R. Th. van (1979) Intramural resistivity of cardiac tissue.Med. & Biol. Eng. & Comput.,17, 337–343.
Rooij, N. F. de andBergveld, P. (1980) The Iridium/anodic iridium oxide film (Ir/AIROF) electrode as a pH-sensor. Proceedings of International Conference on monitoring of blood gasses, blood ion concentrations and respiratory gas exchange,Kimmich, H. P. (Ed.), Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Schwan, H. P. (1968) Electrode polarization impedance and measurements in biological materials.Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sciences,148, 191–209.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Gielen, F.L.H., Bergveld, P. Comparison of electrode impedances of Pt, PtIr (10% Ir) and Ir-AIROF electrodes used in electrophysiological experiments. Med. Biol. Eng. Comput. 20, 77–83 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02441854
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02441854