VA-10 – Voltammetry/Amperometry

Advantages of the VA-10

• User-friendly potentiostat amplifier designed for voltammetric recordings
• Capable of detecting the smallest signals with sensitivity in the picoampere range
• FCV / FSCV operating within +/-1000 mV or +/-2000 mV
• Frequency booster to improve recording bandwidth to several kHz
• Facilitates easy DC amperometry with an integrated voltage source
• Compatible with carbon fiber electrodes
• Supports in vivo recording with optional mini-headstages (including multi-channel options)
• Construct your own SECCM system utilizing our VA-10X potentiostats
• Also offered as a module for the EPMS-07 system

Amplifier for Voltammetry and Amperometry

The VA-10X serves as a sensitive (picoampere range) current amplifier specifically designed for voltammetric measurements. It is suitable for use with carbon-fiber microelectrodes in biological systems, where total currents typically do not exceed a few tens of nA, as well as with other types of electrodes. The current range can be tailored using various feedback resistors, and a switchable headstage is available for enhanced flexibility during experiments.

In addition to the current range, filter frequencies, gain stages, and headstages can also be customized. Should you require a specialized design, please do not hesitate to contact us.

This device was developed at the Max-Planck-Institute for Experimental Medicine in Göttingen as a cost-effective alternative to both DIY systems and high-priced commercial options.

It can function for DC amperometry utilizing the built-in voltage source, or it can be operated with external voltage waveforms provided by the user (for instance, for cyclic voltammetry).

The VA-10X-8 features high-performance 8-pole Bessel filters.

The device offers extensive customization options. Please inquire us for headstages featuring different feedback resistors, multi-electrode headstages, or miniaturized headstages suitable for in-vivo recordings.

Additionally, the VA-10X can be fitted with a frequency booster to further enhance the recording bandwidth to several kHz.

This device can be modified to directly replace the discontinued Dagan Chem-Clamp.

Features:

• Optional frequency booster for capturing extremely rapid signals.
• Filter settings range from 20 Hz to 20 kHz in sixteen increments, featuring an 8-pole Bessel filter (1-pole or 4-pole filter available upon request).
• A 3-electrode headstage is available for a floating command potential.
• Gain settings vary from 0.5 to 50 mV / pA in seven increments (customization is possible).
• A precise built-in voltage source is provided for DC amperometry (+/- 1000 mV standard, +/- 2000 mV optional).
• Low noise operation, effective in the picoampere range.
• Optimally designed for recordings from individual cells.
• Can be utilized with external waveforms for cyclic voltammetry.
• Telegraph outputs facilitate straightforward interfacing with data acquisition systems.

The device can be used with 5 µm carbon fiber electrodes (ALA-CFE-2).

Applications:

• Enables concurrent electrophysiological recordings during voltammetric or amperometric studies using headstages equipped with differential inputs.
• Applicable in scanning electrochemical microscopy.
• Also appropriate for lipid bilayer recordings.
• In-vivo headstages are available.