Diamond microelectrodes

Abstract

A microelectrode comprising a diamond layer formed from electrically non-conducting diamond and containing one or more pins or projections of electrically conducting diamond extending at least partially through the layer of non-conducting diamond and presenting areas of electrically conducting diamond.

1 . A microelectrode comprising a diamond layer formed from electrically non-conducting diamond and containing one or more pins or projections of electrically conducting diamond extending at least partially through the layer of non-conducting diamond and presenting areas of electrically conducting diamond.  
   
   
       2 . A microelectrode according to  claim 1  wherein the pins or projections extend to a surface of the layer of electrically non-conducting diamond presenting areas of electrically conducting diamond co-planar with that surface.  
   
   
       3 . A microelectrode according to  claim 1 , wherein the areas of electrically conducting material are recessed relative with a surface of the diamond layer creating a well or reservoir in that surface.  
   
   
       4 . A microelectrode according to  claim 3 , wherein the well or reservoir contains an additive which presents a surface co-planar with the surface in which the well or reservoir is created.  
   
   
       5 . A microelectrode according to  claim 4 , wherein the additive is an electrochemical sensing chemical.  
   
   
       6 . A microelectrode according to  claim 1 , wherein the areas of electrically conducting diamond are in electrical connection with one or other surfaces of the diamond layer through which they can be connected to an external circuit.  
   
   
       7 . A microelectrode according to  claim 1 , wherein the areas of electrically conducting diamond are internally electrically connected within the diamond layer into one or more groups of electrodes.  
   
   
       8 . A microelectrode according to  claim 1 , wherein the areas of electrically conducting diamond are externally electrically connected into one or more groups of electrodes.  
   
   
       9 . A microelectrode according to  claim 1 , wherein the diamond is synthetic single crystal or polycrystalline diamond.  
   
   
       10 . A microelectrode according to  claim 2 , wherein the areas of electrically conducting diamond and planar surface are smooth.  
   
   
       11 . A microelectrode according to  claim 2 , wherein the areas of electrically conducting diamond and co-planar surface have a surface roughness of less than 100 nmRa.  
   
   
       12 . A microelectrode according to  claim 1 , wherein the electrically conducting diamond is boron doped diamond.