The new heater plate, called OTHP-0050, can be used in applications such as medical DNA amplification for polymerase chain reaction (PCR), blood coagulation and glucose meters, chemical analysis and diagnostic equipment; and urine analysis and temperature cycling for biological samples.

The new device is part of a family of integrated heater products for applications requiring small, low profile heating elements to provide for thermal reactions.

Opto Technology's heater plates consist of an aluminium nitride (AlN) substrate with a thick film resistance layer. The firm claims that the AlN substrate offers excellent thermal coefficient properties for a uniform heating temperature and provides high heat transfer rates.

The electrical connection is achieved using flexible printed circuit board (PCB), which can interface with standard flex connectors.

The device includes a heater resistance of 15 Ohm, a thermistor resistance of 10,000 Ohms, and a total power dissipation of 10 watts, said the firm.

Optoelectronics is the study and application of electronic devices that interact with light and is mainly used in applications like DNA amplification-thermal cyclers and blood diagnostic instruments.

However, according to the firm, the OTHP-0050 may be customized to fit specific applications. The substrate size, resistance, thermistor type, and flex circuit can be modified. In addition, thermal fuses or LEDs - light emitting diodes - may be mounted directly to the substrate, concluded the firm.