I. Novel capacitative electrode with a wide frequency range for measurements of flash-induced changes of interface potential at the oil-water interface. Mechanical construction and electrical characteristics of the electrode.

The mechanical construction and the electrical properties of a new type of capacitative electrode for the oil-water interface are described. The electrode is designed to detect changes of the interface potential induced by photochemical, photophysical, and photobiological reactions occurring at the interface. The construction is based on capacitative coupling of two aqueous compartments separated by a thin Teflon film. Thereby, the oil-water interface is in horizontal position and the electrode is placed with its planar bottom about 10 micrometer above the interface. A main feature of the electrode is the transparency to visible light which is achieved by having a clear electrolyte solution in the inner compartment of the capacitative electrode. The aqueous subphase and the inner electrolyte are connected with Ag/AgCl electrodes to voltage amplifiers. The capacitative electrode is best operated under open circuit conditions. The frequency range experimentally verified is 500 MHz larger than or equal to 0.03 Hz. The sensitivity is mainly determined by the noise of the electronic amplifiers, typical 50-100 muV.