A Luggin type reference electrode was fabricated for use in solid state electrolytes. The method of construction allows placement of the reference tip within a few tens of microns of the working electrode surface. The reference was constructed by embedding a platinum wire, previously coated with insulating alumina, into the solid electrolyte. The references held stable potentials and the response was characterized by both cyclic voltammetry with and without electrolyte resistance compensation and AC impedance. Both techniques gave identical values for the Faradaic and ohmic contributions to the electrode overpotentials. Reference electrodes placed at different locations across the working electrode surface gave different results indicating the electrode activity was not uniform. (C) 2007 Published by Elsevier B.V.