Patent ID: 9201058
Filing Date: 2015-12-01
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for sensing a time varying ionic current in an electrolytic system comprising: a first fluid chamber defining an electrolyte bath containing a first electrolytic fluid; a second fluid chamber defining a sensing volume containing a second electrolytic fluid; a barrier structure including a wall portion, having a thickness of at least 0.2 mm, and a substrate with an orifice located therein, said barrier structure separating the first and second fluid chambers, the second fluid chamber being in communication with said first fluid chamber via the orifice, a voltage source for establishing a potential difference across the barrier structure for the purpose of driving an ionic current through the orifice; an electrode positioned to sense the time varying ionic current passing through the orifice from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber and thus create an ionic current signal; and an amplifier connected to the electrode by wiring and located proximal the barrier structure, said amplifier amplifying the ionic current signal, wherein the total capacitance at the amplifier input is less than 10 pF during operation of the apparatus.