Illustration 2.4:     Schematic diagram of a thin film electrodes where a) is the superconducting thin film deposited on an insulating substrate, b) is a superconducting thin film electrode electrically connected by a brass clip, and c) is a superconducting thin film electrode electrically connected by conducting copper tape and a brass clip.

Thin films of YBa₂Cu₃O_7-x were made into electrodes by simply attaching a wire to the thin film via a brass clip.  To increase the stability of the contact and the contact area, conductive copper tape is placed tightly under the clip and over the top portion of the film.  Illustration 2.4 shows a schematic of a thin film electrode.  The back of the thin film has Ag paint or Au paste on the reverse side from the laser ablation process.  To prevent the back from being involved in the electrochemistry, the Ag paint or Au paste is scraped off and usually covered with Apiezon wax.  During electrochemical measurements, care is taken to prevent solution contact with the copper tape or brass clip.