Thin Samples Research Articles

Thickness-dependent nanoscale friction across the first-order charge density wave phase transition in 1T-TaS2

The layered charge density wave (CDW) phase transition material 1T-TaS2 has garnered significant attention due to its modulable bandgap and electrical transport properties. These unique properties make 1T-TaS2 highly promising for applications in fields such as optoelectronic devices and microstructure physics devices. In various micro-/nanodevices made from quasi-two-dimensional 1T-TaS2, it is often utilized in thin layers, making the understanding of its frictional properties crucial for practical applications. However, the layer-dependent frictional properties of 1T-TaS2 have not been thoroughly investigated. In this article, we examine the CDW phase transition between the nearly commensurate (NCCDW) and commensurate (CCDW) phases in 1T-TaS2 around 183 K using atomic force microscopy, focusing on the number of layers in the samples. Our results indicate that for thicker samples with more than approximately 17 layers, a friction peak is observed during the NCCDW–CCDW phase transition. In contrast, thinner samples do not exhibit this friction peak, and their friction continuously increases as the temperature decreases. This behavior is attributed to the suppressed NCCDW–CCDW phase transition in thinner samples. These results enhance our understanding of the frictional behavior of 1T-TaS2 in the context of micro-/nano-electromechanical systems. Furthermore, our observations offer a straightforward method to identify the NCCDW–CCDW phase transition, providing an alternative to traditional, more complex techniques such as electrical resistance measurements and Raman spectroscopy.

Depth Profiles of Crystallinity and Preferential Orientation and Surface Characteristics of Sputter‐Deposited CeO2 Thin Film Buffer Layers on Sapphire Substrates Evaluated Through Two‐Dimensional Grazing‐Incidence X‐Ray Diffraction

ABSTRACTTwo‐dimensional grazing‐incidence wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction data were acquired from CeO2 thin films serving as buffer layers on r‐cut sapphire substrates to investigate the depth profiles of crystallinity and preferential orientation as well as surface conditions. The thin film samples were sputter‐deposited under different conditions. Data were obtained at an X‐ray wavelength of 0.100 nm at 0.02° intervals from 0.06° to 0.30° at the grazing‐incidence angle. A 60‐nm‐thick CeO2 thin film sputter‐deposited under Ar (Ar‐60) and a 100‐nm‐thick CeO2 thin film sputter deposited using 10 vol.% O2 in Ar (O+Ar‐100) were found to have partially oriented three‐dimensional bulk crystal structures with preferential orientation in the (100) direction near the surface. The lattice constant for the Ar‐60 film was found to be approximately 0.30% smaller than that for a CeO2 standard, whereas the lattice constant for the O+Ar‐100 film was approximately 0.50% larger. Lattice mismatch between the CeO and CeO2 on the substrate surface is evidently not an issue based on the lattice constants near the surface. Hence, both films could be considered to represent optimal buffer layers for YBa2Cu3O6+δ thin film growth. However, even in the case of a CeO2 thin film suitable for use as a buffer layer, the difference in lattice constants between the interior and surface of an Ar‐60 film was found to be relatively small, whereas that for an O+Ar‐100 film was relatively large. These results show that it is important to analyze the film surface in detail by reducing the incidence angle to less than 0.1°.

Nanostructure of TiO\(_{2}\) and WO\(_{3}\) multilayer films deposited on ITO glass for electrochromic enhanced photocatalytic activity

The photocatalytic activity (PA) by electrochromic (EC) enhancement of single and multilayer films of TiO2, WO3, TiO2/WO3, and WO3/TiO2 was investigated. All films were deposited from metal on an ITO glass substrate using direct current (DC) magnetron sputtering via an oblique angle deposition (OAD) technique at 85°. Subsequently, a thermal oxidation (TO) process at 500℃ was applied for the samples to form metal oxide films. The morphology, elemental composition, crystal structure, and optical properties were studied by using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), and UV-vis spectroscopy, respectively. The photocatalytic properties were investigated by showing the degradation rate of methylene blue (MB) solution as an organic pollutant that was examined under ultraviolet irradiation of 300 µW∙cm‒2. The film samples were investigated by comparing the pre-color and colored states that were achieved through the EC process. The EC properties of WO3 led to increased charge insertion on the film surface. This observation was further supported by cyclic voltammetry (CV) testing, which revealed a higher current density for the thin film samples. The photodegradation results showed that the samples in the colored state exhibited a significantly higher degradation rate of MB compared to the pre-color state.

Supramolecular arrangements in human amyloid tissues using SAXS

Amyloid diseases are characterized by the accumulation of misfolded protein aggregates in human tissues, pose significant challenges for both diagnosis and treatment. Protein aggregations known as amyloids are linked to several neurodegenerative conditions including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and systemic amyloidosis. The key goal of this research is to employ Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) to examine the supramolecular structures of amyloid aggregates in human tissues. We present the structural analysis of amyloid using SAXS, which is employed directly to analyze thin tissue samples without damaging the tissues. This technique provides size and shape information of fibrils, which can be used to generate low-resolution 2D models. The present study investigates the structural changes in amyloid fibril axial d-spacing and scattering intensity in different human tissues, including kidney, heart, thyroid, and others, while also accounting for the presence of triglycerides in these tissues. Tissue structural components were examined at momentum transfer values between q = 0.2 nm−1 and 1.5 nm−1. The d-spacing is a critical parameter in SAXS that provides information about the periodic distances between structures within a sample. From the supramolecular SAXS patterns, the axial d-spacing of fibrils in amyloid tissues is prominent and exists within the 3rd to 10th order, compared to that of healthy tissues which do not have notable peak orders. The axial period of fibrils in amyloid tissues is within the scattering vector range 57.40–64.64 nm−1 while in normal tissues the range is between 60.68 and 61.41 nm−1, which is 3.0 nm−1 smaller than amyloid-containing tissues. Differences in d-spacing are often correlate with distinct pathological mechanisms or stages of disease progression. The application of SAXS to investigate amyloid structures in human tissues has enormous potential to further knowledge of amyloid disorders. This work will open the path for novel diagnostic instruments and therapeutic strategies meant to reduce the burden of amyloid-related diseases by offering a thorough structural examination of amyloid aggregates.

Section thickness is identical for the sliding microtome and rotary microtome under the continuous cooling device condition

To date, no report has compared section thickness (ST) between the sliding microtome (SM) and rotary microtome (RM). We used the ice pack (IP) condition, in which the paraffin block was not cooled during slicing, and a continuous cooling device (CCD) for continuous cooling during slicing. The ST was greater for the SM than the RM in the IP condition, but it was identical between the devices under the CCD condition. Thus, we used the CCD condition for subsequent studies. In formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) fish sausage blocks, the ST of the tissue surface (T-surface) was significantly concaved compared to that of the paraffin surface (P-surface) for both microtomes. On the contrary, in FFPE human kidney blocks, ST did not differ between the T-surface and P-surface. Furthermore, the eosin-positive area of PAM-stained specimens was affected by ST, and the color tone of the thickest sample differed from that of the median or thinnest sample. Our data indicated that we should use CCD conditions to ensure that ST is uniform regardless of the type of microtome. In addition, for quantitative analysis, we should utilize ST measure equipment and specimens with a constant ST.

Ultrabroadband Optical Properties of 2D Titanium Carbide MXene.

MXenes have rapidly ascended as a prominent class of two-dimensional (2D) materials, renowned for their distinctive optical and electrical properties. Despite extensive exploration of MXenes' optical properties, existing studies predominantly focus on the near-infrared (NIR) to the ultraviolet spectral range, leaving the mid-infrared (mid-IR) range relatively uncharted. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive characterization of the intrinsic optical properties of Ti3C2Tx MXene across an ultrabroadband spectral range, spanning from mid-IR (28 meV) to vacuum ultraviolet (VUV, 6.4 eV). For this purpose, Ti3C2Tx MXene films of varying thicknesses were coated on quartz substrates, resulting in two distinct categories: thin film samples with thicknesses below 50 nm and bulk-like samples with thicknesses exceeding 500 nm. Using spectroscopic ellipsometry, we analyzed the optical properties of films of various thicknesses and extracted detailed information on their dielectric functions. Our findings reveal resonances in the mid-IR to VUV range. Employing the Lorentz-Drude model to examine these resonances has uncovered the optical resistivity of MXene films and led to the identification of multiple plasmonic modes active in the visible to NIR range, as well as broad band-to-band transition-like resonances in the mid-IR range. This ultrabroadband optical versatility of Ti3C2Tx MXene is anticipated to bring about a wide range of thermal and optical applications.

Coexistence of anomalous Hall effect and weak magnetization in a nominally collinear antiferromagnet MnTe

In various material systems, an antiferromagnetic phase was found to coexist with a weak ferromagneticlike signal, while symmetry-based theoretical predictions indicate a possibility of a nonzero anomalous Hall effect (AHE) even in the absence of sample magnetization. This is the case of nominally collinear antiferromagnets, in particular, hexagonal MnTe, where the AHE and no detectable magnetization have been recently reported. To clarify the role of magnetization, we present a study of bulk MnTe samples, combining experiment and theory. We demonstrate that the existence of the AHE in the hexagonal MnTe is accompanied by the presence of a weak but detectable ferromagneticlike signal, vanishing at the Néel temperature. In contrast to thin layer samples, we find that the AHE hysteresis loop shows an opposite sign and Barkhausen-like jumps. We introduce a macrospin model involving the Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya type interaction, which explains the existence of a nonzero magnetic moment in the absence of external field and reproduces well hysteretic behavior of the AHE. Using analysis of Néel-vector-dependent Berry curvature, we show that the intrinsic AHE in hexagonal MnTe can be nonzero even when the magnetization vanishes and, also, that it changes sign depending on the Fermi energy position. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Study of modulation in complex refractive indices induced by ultrafast relativistic electrons using infrared and THz probe pulses.

Objective 
Achieving ultra-precise temporal resolution in ionizing radiation detection is essential, particularly in positron emission tomography, where precise timing enhances signal-to-noise ratios and may enable reconstruction-less imaging. A promising approach involves utilizing ultrafast modulation of the complex refractive index, where sending probe pulses to the detection crystals will result in changes in picoseconds (ps), and thus a sub - 10 ps coincidence time resolution can be realized. Towards this goal, here, we aim to first measure the ps changes in probe pulses using an ionizing radiation source with high time resolution.
Approach 
We used relativistic, ultrafast electrons to induce complex refractive index and use probe pulses in the near-infrared (800 nm) and terahertz (THz, 300 µm) regimes to test the hypothesized wavelength-squared increase in absorption coefficient in the Drude free-carrier absorption model. We measured BGO, ZnSe, BaF2, ZnS, PBG, and PWO with 1 mm thickness to control the deposited energy of the 3 MeV electrons, simulating ionization energy of the 511 keV photons. 
Main results 
Both with the 800 nm and THz probe pulses, transmission decreased across most samples, indicating the free carrier absorption, with an induced signal change of 11% in BaF2, but without the predicted Drude modulation increase. To understand this discrepancy, we simulated ionization tracks and examined the geometry of the free carrier distribution, attributing the mismatch in THz modulations to the sub-wavelength diameter of trajectories, despite the lengths reaching 500 µm to 1 mm. Additionally, thin samples truncated the final segments of the ionization tracks, and the measured initial segments have larger inter-inelastic collision distances due to lower stopping power (dE/dx) for high-energy electrons, exacerbating diffraction-limited resolution. 
Significance
Our work offers insights into ultrafast radiation detection using complex refractive index modulation and highlights critical considerations in sample preparation, probe wavelength, and probe-charge carrier coupling scenarios.

Nonmonotonic Hall Effect of Weyl Semimetals under a Magnetic Field.

The Hall effect of topological quantum materials often reveals essential new physics and possesses potential for application. The magnetic Weyl semimetal is one especially interesting example that hosts an interplay between the spontaneous time-reversal symmetry-breaking topology and the external magnetic field. However, it is less known beyond the anomalous Hall effect thereof, which is unable to account for plenty of magnetotransport measurements. We propose a new Hall effect characteristically nonmonotonic with respect to the external field, intrinsic to the three-dimensional Weyl topology, and free from chemical potential fine-tuning. Two related mechanisms from the Landau level bending and chiral Landau level shifting are found, together with their relation to the Shubnikov-de Hass effect. This field-dependent Hall response, universal to thin films and bulk samples, provides a concrete physical picture for existing measurements and is promising to guide future experiments.

Fabrication and Characterization of Flexible CuI-Based Photodetectors on Mica Substrates by a Low-Temperature Solution Process

Both CuI and CuI:Zn semiconductor thin films, along with MSM-structured UV photodetectors, were prepared on flexible mica substrates at low temperature (150 °C) by a wet chemical method. The two CuI-based films exhibited a polycrystalline phase with an optical bandgap energy close to 3.0 eV. Hall effect measurements indicated that the CuI thin film sample had p-type conductivity, while the CuI:Zn thin film sample exhibited n-type conductivity, with the latter showing a higher carrier mobility of 14.78 cm2/Vs compared to 7.67 cm2/Vs for the former. The I-V curves of both types of photodetectors showed asymmetric rectification characteristics with rectification ratios at ±3 V of 5.23 and 14.3 for the CuI and CuI:Zn devices, respectively. Flexible CuI:Zn devices exhibited significantly better sensitivity, responsivity, and specific detectivity than CuI devices both before and after static bending tests. It was found that, while the optoelectronic performance of flexible CuI-based photodetectors degraded under tensile stress during static bending tests, they still exhibited good reproducibility and repeatability in their photoresponses.

Performance analysis of wire-electrochemical discharge cutting of glass material

The present study investigated the feasibility of micro-cutting in glass material by using Electrochemical Discharge Machining (ECDM) Process. Glass possesses outstanding properties that make it a versatile with widely used in a diverse range of applications. Because of its tendency to fracture brittle during machining, glass is typically processed in its liquid or viscous state to manufacture precise and high-quality parts. Machining glass with good dimensional accuracy is a challenging task due to its fragile nature. Therefore, researchers have recognized the very appropriate technique for machining glasses with precision. The Wire-Electrochemical Discharge Machining (WECDM) has been identified as the most economical and efficient technique for fabricating micro slits in thin glass samples. In the present work, an in-house setup for WECDM was developed and the feasibility of the developed configuration was examined. Two different thicknesses of glass specimen have been considered for experimentation for checking the quality of cut and it is found that thinner specimen possesses good quality cut. The regression model has been developed to find a relationship between input and response parameters. The developed regression model was reasonably well fitted with the observed values where applied voltage 55V, 15% by wt. electrolyte concentration and 70% duty cycle were the most influencing parametric combinations among others. Further mixed electrolytes have shown excellent performance up to a certain concentration in terms of Material Removal Rate (MRR). This study reveals that optimal capillary action, influenced by surface tension and electrolyte concentration, is crucial for consistent sparking and efficient material removal in WECDM.

FABRICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF BISMUTH TELLURIDE THIN FILMS BY THERMAL EVAPORATION TECHNIQUE

An interest in the study of the structural and optical properties of topological insulators, led to the selection of Bismuth telluride thin films. Among the topological insulators, Bismuth telluride is one of the promising materials that exhibit applications in the field of thermoelectric power generation. The films were prepared using the thermal evaporation method under vacuum conditions of [Formula: see text] mbar on glass substrates maintained at a temperature of 120∘C. The thickness of the film samples ranges from 400 Å to 1400 Å. Pure phases of Bi2Te3 with a rhombohedral structure are confirmed using X-ray Diffraction. The crystallite size was calculated using Debye–Scherrer’s formula. Structural morphology and compositions are examined using SEM and EDAX. The UV–Vis study reflects the optical behavior of the thin film samples. The absorption spectra gives the direct and allowed transition band gap of the Bi2Te3 thin film samples for various thicknesses. The band gap decreases with the increase in the thickness of the Bi2Te3 thin films, suggesting that the material has significant absorption towards the visible spectrum. The Photoluminescence (PL) emissions for Bi2Te3 thin film samples of various thicknesses are examined and analysed. Raman study reveals the presence of two active modes.

RADIATION ENHANCED MICRO CRACKING AND POROUS FORMATION IN DOPED GLASSY POLYMERS

Glassy polymers like Poly Mathyel Metha Acrylate are usually classified as non-porous materials; they are almost considered as fully transparent. Thin samples of these materials reflect color changing followed by porous formation and consequently cracking when exposed to certain level of ?-irradiation. The more the dose is the higher the effect have been observed. The optical microscope and UV-VIS spectroscopy have clearly approved these consequences especially for doped polymers.

The Influence of Cuprum (II) Acetate (Cu (CH3COO)2) Dopant and Heating Temperature in The Fabrication of Thin Films of Barium Strontium Titanate (Ba0.4Sr0.6TiO3)

Abstract Barium Strontium Titanate (BST), or BaxSr1-xTiO3, is an excellent ferroelectric material that is widely used on thin film applications in microelectronic devices, making BST very essential to the tech industries. This research aims to fabricate Cuprum doped BST thin films at low temperature using the Chemical Solution Deposition (CSD) and spin coating technique, and then to analyze the thin film’s band gap energy from the UV-Vis curve, XRD Spectral and EDAX. The advantage lies in the use of low temperatures in which it allows a significant energy savings compared to other studies. Using the Kubelka-Munk method with the Tauc Plot relation, the bandgap energy values for each BST substrates were obtained. Without Cuprum (II) Acetate dopant, the Band Gap values of the thin film samples are 3.84 eV and 3.77 eV. With 3% concentration of Cuprum (II) Acetate dopant, we obtained smaller Band Gap values, which are 3.74 eV and 3.71 eV. Based on the XRD spectral analysis, the lattice parameters were determined with a tetragonal crystal structure. However, according to the EDAX analysis, the elemental composition obtained is not yet stoichiometric. This research is important to serve as a reference for other researchers and manufacturers to opt into fabrication of thin films with lower energy cost, provide guidance for researchers to have more flexibility in their own thin film fabrication.

Study of the structural and optical properties of pure copper oxide and doped with zinc at fixed weight percentages

Through this research, the effect of doping with zinc ions on the structural and optical properties of copper oxide particles doped with zinc at certain weight percentages was study using Radiofrequency plasma deposition technology. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses and field emission scanning electron microscopy were used to ascertain the materials' characteristics. Ultraviolet and visible spectroscopy of pure and doped thin films was also perform to calculate the band gap and electrical conductivity It was discovered using the XRD readings that the pure copper particles saturated with zinc had a crystalline size. It changes as Zn concentration rises and is influenced by the CuO lattice's strain and dislocation density. The thin film samples have structures resembling irregular and cubic grains, as demonstrated by the FE-SEM pictures. After doping with Zn, their homogeneity increases and adopts a regular granular nature. The band gap was also calculated for pure CuO particles as well as those doped with certain percentages of Zn. It was note that the addition of Zn worked to reduce Band gap for CuO

Accurate Modelling of AFM Force-Indentation Curves with Blunted Indenters at Small Indentation Depths.

When testing biological samples with atomic force microscopy (AFM) nanoindentation using pyramidal indenters, Sneddon's equation is commonly used for data processing, approximating the indenter as a perfect cone. While more accurate models treat the AFM tip as a blunted cone or pyramid, these are complex and lack a direct relationship between applied force and indentation depth, complicating data analysis. This paper proposes a new equation derived from simple mathematical processes and physics-based criteria. It is accurate for small indentation depths and serves as a viable alternative to complex classical approaches. The proposed equation has been validated for ℎ < 3R (where h is the indentation depth and R is the tip radius) and confirmed through simulations with blunted conical and pyramidal indenters, as well as experiments on prostate cancer cells. It is a reliable method for experiments where the tip radius cannot be ignored, such as in shallow indentations on thin samples to avoid substrate effects.

Effect of the deposition temperature on ZnCd(SSe)2 for enhance the efficiency of solar cell application

The photoelectrochemical efficiency of ZnCd(SSe)2 thin films shows a notable enhancement, increasing from 0.08 % to 0.28 %, when deposited at different temperatures (room temperature, 40 °C, 50 °C, and 60 °C). This study aims to develop ZnCd(SSe)2 thin films using a cost-effective single-step process called the Arrested Precipitation Technique (APT). This study demonstrates that varying the deposition temperatures significantly impacts the optical, structural, and morphological properties of the resulting thin films. Optical analysis shows a reduction in the optical energy band gap from 1.92 to 1.63 eV as the bath temperature increases. X-ray diffraction confirms the formation of nanocrystalline thin film samples with improved crystallinity, as indicated by the increased intensity of the (100) diffraction peak. Scanning electron microscopy reveals changes in surface morphology corresponding to different deposition temperatures. The thin films exhibit polycrystalline characteristics, as verified by transmission electron microscopy and selected area electron diffraction pattern analysis. Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy analysis identifies the presence of Cd, Zn, S, and Se elements with near-ideal stoichiometry, suggesting a favorable composition. Importantly, the photoelectrochemical performance increases significantly from 0.08 % to 0.28 % with rising deposition temperature, marking a substantial improvement with potential for further investigation and development in the field.

Electronic structure and thermoelectric properties of epitaxial Sc1−xVxNy thin films grown on MgO(001)

The electronic structure of Sc1−xVxNy epitaxial films with different alloying concentrations of V are investigated with respect to effects on thermoelectric properties. Band structure calculations on Sc0.75V0.25N indicate that V 3d states lie in the band gap of the parent ScN compound in the vicinity of the Fermi level. Thus, theoretically, the presence of light (dispersive) bands at the Γ point with band multiplicity is expected to lead to lower electrical resistivity, while flat (heavy) bands at X−W−K symmetry points are associated with higher Seebeck coefficients than that of ScN. Hence, to probe the thermoelectric properties experimentally, epitaxial Sc1−xVxNy thin film samples were deposited on MgO(001) substrates. All the samples showed N substoichiometry and pseudocubic crystal structure. The N-vacancy-induced states were visible in the Sc 2p x-ray absorption spectroscopy spectra. The reference ScN and Sc1−xVxNy samples up to x=0.12 were n type, exhibiting carrier concentration of 1021 cm−3, typical for degenerate semiconductors. For the highest V alloying of x=0.15, holes became the majority charge carriers, as indicated by the positive Seebeck coefficient. The underlying electronic structure and bonding mechanisms in Sc1−xVxNy influence the electrical resistivity, Seebeck coefficient, and Hall effect. Thus, this paper contributes to the fundamental understanding to correlate defects and thermoelectric properties to the electronic structure in the Sc-N system with V alloying. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Contactless thermal diffusivity characterization of second order magnetocaloric materials under magnetic field using modulated photo-thermal radiometry method with very low power probe beam

The thermal diffusivity of magnetocaloric materials has a transition point at a given temperature that depends on the intensity of the applied magnetic field. Consequently, a fine temperature resolution on the material sample is needed to obtain an accurate determination of the thermal diffusivity variation with temperature. The coupling between the external and the internal fields has to be carefully mastered since the pertinent operating condition is fixed by the actual internal field which is not directly measurable and may be heavily affected by any element in contact with the sample. Therefore, contactless methods such as Photo-Thermal Radiometry (PTR) are privileged. The latter is based on a radiative excitation of the front face of a thin sample and the detection of the thermal effect on the opposite face. However, the powerful radiative source may significantly increase the sample temperature which is not suitable for caloric materials. In this work, a low power modulated PTR method is proposed to characterize second order magnetocaloric materials under magnetic field. It was compared to high energy thermo-flash PTR and validated on common materials such as steel and stainless steel, and then applied to gadolinium which is the reference magnetocaloric material for magnetic refrigeration and heat pumping study. The thermal diffusivity of gadolinium samples is measured in the 285.1 K to 305.1 K temperature range, including the magnetic transition temperature without and under an external magnetic flux density of 0.5 T in the 13 mm air gap of the permanent magnet magnetic circuit. The low power probe beam ensures a temperature stability with a negligible sample temperature fluctuation less than 0.05 K on the incident sample surface and less than 0.03 K on the measurement surface. The experimental results without magnetic field align with those using other methods including the magnetic transition temperatures determination. This low-power optical method proved its efficiency to characterize highly temperature dependent materials such as magnetocaloric materials sensitive to magnetic field. The data obtained partly fills the lack of information in the literature on excited gadolinium.

Towards high-strength electrolyte-supported solid oxide fuel cells

The functionality and structural reliability of electrolyte-supported solid oxide fuel cells depend crucially upon the load-bearing capability of the ceramic electrolyte. In this work, the effect of thickness on the mechanical strength of tape-casted 8 mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia electrolyte discs was investigated. Samples with 98 % relative density and 2–3 µm grain size fabricated with thicknesses between 75 µm and 360 µm were mechanically tested using an adapted biaxial bending test. Thin electrolytes with biaxial strength up to 1 GPa could be produced. The measured characteristic strengths ranged from σ0 = 940 MPa to σ0 = 520 MPa for thin and thick samples, respectively, yielding a common Weibull modulus of m = 6. A higher strength scaled with decreasing thickness, confirming the “size effect” as in many technical ceramics. The measured ionic conductivity was above 0.1 S/cm at 1000 °C, which is in good agreement with commercial or conventionally prepared electrolytes.