Alumina IDEs

Thermal spreading

Alumina spreads heat better than glass, helping reduce local temperature gradients during elevated-temperature sensing

Electrically insulator

High bulk resistivity helps isolate the patterned electrodes so changes in the sensing layer remain the focus of the measurement.

Mechanical stability

Alumina provides a rigid, thermally stable coating surface but requires careful handling because it is brittle.

ENGINEERED PLATFORM

PRODUCTS

High-Performance Alumina IDEs for Thermally Stable and Electrically Reliable Sensing

Alumina -1A3A200

10 × 25 mm alumina IDE with patterned Au/Ti electrodes and 100 µm nominal finger geometry.

10 × 10 mm alumina IDE with precision-patterned Au/Ti electrodes and 200 µm nominal finger geometry.

10 × 10 mm alumina IDE with patterned Au/Ti electrodes and 100 µm nominal finger geometry.

Alumina -1A1A200

Alumina -1A2A200

Alumina -2A1A100

Alumina -1A1A100

10 × 10 mm alumina IDE with microfabricated Au/Ti electrodes and 200 µm nominal finger geometry.

10 × 10 mm alumina IDE with patterned Au/Ti electrodes and 200 µm nominal finger geometry.

Product Specifications

• Substrate: Alumina ceramic

• Standard chip formats: 10 × 10 mm and 10 × 25 mm

• Electrode material: Gold

• Adhesion layer: Titanium

• Available standard finger widths: 100 µm and 200 µm

• Available layouts: 3 Designs

• Electrode structure: Planar interdigitated pattern

• Electrical access: Exposed contact pads

• Manufacturing format: Ready-to-coat research chip

Electrochemical interfaces

Use exposed gold fingers as a compact transduction area for compatible liquid-phase and functionalized-film studies.

Gas & VOC sensing

Apply metal oxides, polymers, composites or nanomaterials and measure chemiresistive or impedance change under controlled analyte exposure.

Materials characterization

Study coatings, inks and functional films using frequency-dependent impedance and dielectric measurements.

High Temperature Sensing

Support cured or temperature-activated sensing layers where ceramic rigidity and thermal capability matter.

Humidity & Moisture

Track adsorption-driven resistance, capacitance or dielectric response across interlocking fingers..

One electrode platform,
Multiple sensing modes.

APPLICATIONS

Measurement and Integration Recommendations

Alumina is opaque, so transmitted-light inspection through the chip is not possible. Top-side microscopy should be used to examine pattern coverage, cracks, delamination and particle agglomeration.

For reliable experiments:

• Measure electrode resistance and open-circuit isolation before coating.

• Record the uncoated impedance spectrum as a baseline.

• Mask contact pads during spraying or drop casting.

• Prevent conductive paste from spreading outside the intended active area.

• Use thermally stable wiring for heated measurements.

• Place the temperature sensor close to the active region.

• Allow the device to reach thermal equilibrium.

• Track baseline drift over repeated heating cycles.

• Avoid excessive clamping force on the ceramic chip.

Why Schnaiffer

Options instead of a single generic chip

The availability of different chip sizes, finger widths and designs enables researchers to select a closer match for their coating and fixture.

The chips provide a fabricated electrode platform so research teams can focus on sensing-layer development, functionalization and measurement.

Projects involving different patterns, alternative metallization or a specific chamber geometry can be reviewed for custom fabrication.

Schnaiffer uses controlled patterning and inspection processes. Products undergo applicable checks for pattern defects, open circuits and unintended shorts.

Ready for material deposition

Quality control

Support for custom requirements

Build Your Sensor on the Right Ceramic Platform

Tell Schnaiffer what material you plan to deposit, its approximate particle size, expected film thickness, operating temperature, measurement frequency and preferred chip format.

We can help you compare the standard alumina IDE designs or evaluate a custom layout for your gas sensor, impedance device, humidity sensor or functional-material study.

Frequently asked questions

Can an alumina IDE be used at 450°C or 500°C?

The alumina substrate can tolerate high temperatures, but the performance of the complete Au/Ti IDE depends on exposure time, atmosphere, heating rate, electrode thickness, connections and required stability. The intended thermal profile should be technically reviewed before use.

Is alumina better than quartz for gas sensing?

Alumina is often preferred for heated gas sensors because of its ceramic construction and thermal properties. Quartz may be preferable when optical access, UV transmission or lower thermal expansion is central to the experiment.

Which design gives the highest sensitivity?

Sensitivity cannot be predicted from the design number alone. It depends on finger gap, active area, coating properties, analyte interaction and measurement conditions. Dimensional drawings and the intended sensing mechanism must be compared.

Can a custom heater be added?

Heater integration may be evaluated as a custom project. The heater resistance, target temperature, temperature uniformity, electrical isolation and contact arrangement must be defined before design.

Request the alumina IDE catalogue, dimensional drawings, price quotation or custom-design review.

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