FILS CONDUCTEURS AUTOCICATRISANTS DANS DES ENVIRONNEMENTS HUMIDES

摘要

A device is provided that may be operated when implanted within a body, when mounted to a surface of an eye, or when immersed in a fluid or otherwise exposed to a humid environment. The device includes at least one conductor that includes a valve metal. The valve metal is disposed on an external surface of the conductor such that, when the conductor exhibits a positive voltage relative to its environment, the valve metal forms or maintains a self-limiting oxide layer. The device is operated such that the mean voltage of the conductor is positive or zero relative to the environment, e.g., relative to another electrode or other conductor of the device that is in contact with fluid in the environment. Such a device can be operated for a protracted period of time in a humid environment without a hermetic seal disposed between the conductor and the humid environment.