Modulation of Conductivity in Platinum via Electrochemical Gating

Joe Redford and Marshall Rockwell

University of Minnesota

Methods of Experimental Physics Spring 2012

Abstract

We attempted to modulate the resistance of a platinum film using an ionic fluid. A capacitor is formed between two thin films of platinum so that when a gate voltage is applied, the plates will accumulate charge using the ionic fluid to increase capacitance. Since the electrons act as charge carriers, the charge will modulate the resistance of the film. Using this technique a resistance change of 0.476 +/-0.007% was achieved. Additionally, if the ionic fluid was contaminated with copper ions a resistance change of 4.927+/- 0.007% was achieved.