Glass & Quartz IDEs
Transparent, precisely patterned Au/Ti IDE platforms for electrical, optical and surface-sensing research
Our standard glass and quartz IDEs are supplied in a practical 10 × 25 mm size. The elongated chip geometry provides sufficient space for the active electrode region, contact pads, sample deposition and integration with experimental fixtures.
Chemical Compatibility
Suitable for many liquid-phase, coating, functionalization and material-testing workflows.
Low-Parasitic
Glass and quartz substrates provide electrical insulation for controlled IDE measurements.
Optical Advantage
Transparent glass and quartz platforms enable optical access alongside electrical measurements
ENGINEERED PLATFORM
PRODUCTS
High-Performance Alumina IDEs for Thermally Stable and Electrically Reliable Sensing
Alumina -100 um
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Glass or Quartz: Which IDE Substrate Should You Choose?
Although both substrates are electrically insulating and optically accessible, they are not interchangeable in every experiment.
Choose glass for accessible, routine and cost-sensitive sensing experiments. Choose quartz when thermal stability, UV compatibility or improved dimensional stability is important.
Soda Lime Glass for routine laboratory sensing
Glass provides a practical balance of transparency, affordability and ease of handling. It is well suited to room-temperature and moderately heated experiments involving:
Capacitive and impedance sensing
Biosensor development
Liquid and droplet measurements
Polymer and thin-film characterization
Humidity and moisture sensing
Optical observation of the sensing region
A glass IDE is generally the preferred starting point when the experiment is performed near room temperature and the researcher requires a cost-effective transparent sensor platform.
Quartz Glass for thermal and optical stability
Quartz is useful when the substrate must tolerate wider temperature variation, lower thermal expansion or more demanding optical conditions. Quartz IDEs may be preferred for:
Temperature-dependent impedance measurements
UV-assisted sensing experiments
Optical-electrical characterization
Thin-film annealing studies
Repeated thermal cycling
Research requiring a high-purity, low-background substrate
A quartz IDE operating temperature depends not only on quartz, but also on the Au/Ti stack, heating duration, atmosphere, sensing layer and thermal cycling.
Inverted Microscopy
Observe cells, particles and electrode interfaces directly from beneath the IDE chip.
Optical–Electrical Sensing
Simultaneously monitor electrical response and optical changes through the transparent substrate.
Optofluidic Devices
Integrate transparent IDEs with microfluidic channels for optical and electrical analysis.
Particle & Cell Monitoring
Visually track particle or cell behaviour while measuring impedance and dielectric changes.
Fluorescence Biosensing
Combine IDE electrical measurements with fluorescence-based detection on one platform.
Transparent IDE platforms enabling combined optical, electrical and microfluidic experimentation.
APPLICATIONS
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
Whether you are developing an impedance biosensor, capacitive sensor, humidity detector, dielectric test structure or optical-electrical device, the electrode geometry and substrate should be selected before the sensing material is optimized.
Send Schnaiffer your target analyte, operating temperature, sample type, measurement method and preferred chip size. We will help you identify whether the standard glass IDE, standard quartz IDE or a custom configuration is the appropriate starting point.
Frequently asked questions
Can the glass or quartz IDE be reused?
Reuse depends on the deposited material and cleaning method. Aggressive chemicals, abrasion and repeated sonication may damage the metal pattern or adhesion layer. A cleaning protocol should be validated on a spare device before routine reuse.
Can I solder wires directly to the gold pads?
Direct soldering may damage a thin-film electrode. Spring contacts, conductive epoxy, anisotropic conductive materials or a compatible connector fixture are generally safer. The selected connection method should be tested for contact resistance and mechanical stability.
Is quartz always better than glass?
No. Quartz provides advantages under specific thermal and optical conditions, but glass is often the more economical and practical choice for routine room-temperature sensing.
Can Schnaiffer change the IDE geometry?
Yes. Custom chip size, finger geometry, active area and contact-pad layout can be reviewed. Custom production depends on fabrication feasibility and order volume.
Request the IDE catalogue, dimensional drawings, price quotation or custom-design review.
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