A
tantalum electrolytic capacitor, a member of the family of
electrolytic capacitors, is a polarized
capacitor whose
anode electrode (+) is made of
tantalum on which a very thin insulating
oxide layer is formed, which acts as the
dielectric of the capacitor. A solid or liquid
electrolyte which covers the surface of the oxide layer serves as the second electrode (cathode) (-) of the capacitor. Because of its very thin and relatively high
permittivity dielectric layer, the tantalum capacitor distinguishes itself from other conventional and electrolytic capacitors in having high
capacitance per volume (high volumetric efficiency) and lower weight.