Iridium and Platinum-Iridium alloy are considered by many to be the "gold standard" for chronic recording and microstimulation due to its excellent electrochemical and mechanical characteristics.
Advantages
Disadvantages
Pure Iridium can be electrochemically “activated” to create a layer of iridium oxide on the metal surface, imbuing it with exceptional electrochemical performance. These activated iridium oxide film (AIROF) electrodes offer some of the best stimulation performance known due to the fast faradaic charge transfer mechanisms available within the film.
Pure Iridium is appropriate for very aggressive stimulation protocols or very small electrode sizes.
Exceptional hardness and rigidity.
High cost due to the specialty nature of the material.
Only available in 100 micron diameter size.
These monopolar microelectrodes of MicroProbes are also available in Tungsten, Elgiloy (an alloy similar to stainless steel), and Platinum-Iridium alloy. As an alternative we provide them with a thin coat of vapor-deposited Parylene-C insulation instead of the Polymide tubing. Each electrode is etched to a fine taper and tipped using a proprietary process to a specific impedance value. Four different tip profiles are also available to further fine-tune your electrode selection to your particular application.
We offer a variety of different tip alternatives for those that prefer a specialized electrode profile for their research.
The tip selection can provide subtle yet important changes to the performance of the electrode, as described below. It is recommended that first time users consider experimenting with different tip profiles to determine which works best for their recording or stimulation protocols.
Monopolar Electrodes, Pure Iridium, Heat Treated Tapered Tip (100 µm × 2") With Polymide Tubing
Item
Length
Shaft Diameter
Tip Diameter
Impedance
Applications
Pkg of 10
IR2PT30.01B4
51 mm
0.180 mm
1-2 µm
0.01 MΩ
Multiunit & ERP recording & stim.
IR2PT30.05B4
51 mm
0.180 mm
0.05 MΩ
IR2PT30.1B4
51 mm
0.180 mm
0.1 MΩ
IR2PT30.5B4
51 mm
0.180 mm
0.5 MΩ
Single & multiunit rec. & stim.
IR2PT31.0B4
51 mm
0.180 mm
1 µm
1.0 MΩ
IR2PT31.5B4
51 mm
0.180 mm
1.5 MΩ
IR2PT32.0B4
51 mm
0.180 mm
2.0 MΩ
Greater selectivity & micro. stim.
IR2PT32.5B4
51 mm
0.180 mm
2.5 MΩ
Greater Selectivity - Small Cells
IR2PT33.0B4
51 mm
0.180 mm
3.0 MΩ
Common Tip Profiles:
A - STANDARD TIP PROFILE The standard tip profile features a sharp yet robust point that offers versatile performance and an effective balance between penetration and durability.B - BLUNTED TIP PROFILE The blunted electrodes are engineered to have a more rounded, bullet-shaped tip. For many applications the blunted tip can offer superior stimulation performance.H - HEAT TREATED TAPERED TIP PROFILE The heat-treated electrodes are intended for those investigators who must penetrate their probes through tough membranes, such as the dura mater of larger mammals.F - EXTRA FINE TIP PROFILE The extra-fine tip profile features a significantly sharper taper as well as a thinner insulation layer. Available in Tungsten only!
