Inventors:
Charles L. Byers - Canyon Country CA
Peter Zimmerman - San Francisco CA
Paul Feinstein - Berkeley CA
Mitchell Sutter - Emeryville CA
Assignee:
The Regents of the University of California - Berkeley CA
International Classification:
C25D 350
Abstract:
Microelectrodes of the art are limited to the charge density which can pass through them. The present invention discloses a method for electroplating iridium metal onto the surface of a metallic microelectrode for use in a biomedical prosthetic device, which method comprises: (a) placing the metallic microelectrode into an aqueous solution of iridium ion of between about 1 and 10 percent by weight; and (b) electroplating the microelectrode of step (a) using a current of between about 0. 5 and 15 milliamps wherein said current is controlled by a current controller. In another aspect the method discloses in step (b) the current is also biased and simultaneously applied in a mode wherein the current is equivalent to an impressed voltage of between about 1. 5 and 6. 0 volts positive. In other aspects, the method also includes the following :A-after step (b): (c) conditioning the microelectrode after step (b) by heating at a temperature of between about ambient and 350. degree. C.
