The sonic pen was a sleek black device used by Matron Cofelia that functioned in a similar fashion to the Doctor's sonic screwdriver. The Tenth Doctor acquired it from Matron Cofelia by pointing his own sonic at it, causing the sonic pen to emit sparks and cause Cofelia significant pain. It was also similar to Sarah Jane Smith's sonic lipstick in that it was disguised as a common item to avoid suspicion; since Cofelia took on the outward appearance of a smartly-dressed businesswoman, her sonic device resembled a sleek, black and silver fountain pen.
In discussing the similarities and differences between the sonic pen and sonic screwdriver, the Tenth Doctor implied both were of similar manufacture despite his screwdriver having apparently come from his TARDIS. The sonic pen was able to open deadlock seals, but only ones it was coded to, while the Doctor's device remained ineffective against that precaution. When the Doctor put the ends of the functioning sonic pen and the sonic screwdriver near each other, they generated a feedback effect which stunned everyone in the vicinity. The pen was invaluable in stopping the Adipose' sinister plot as it allowed the Doctor to access the otherwise triple-deadlocked inducer. After the death of Cofelia, the Doctor threw the sonic pen into a bin. (TV: Partners in Crime)
Uses
The sonic pen cut cables, activated the Adipose inducer and opened and disabled deadlock seals. (TV: Partners in Crime)
Behind the scenes
- A toy replica of the sonic pen was released by Character Options in a two-pack with the Doctor's sonic screwdriver. Both now featured a non-ultra violet-blue LED and identical sound effects. A single button built into the clip would activate the light and sound effects, and twisting the casing of the pen would extend the ink tip. Compared with the prop that appeared on-screen, the toy features an added section around the emitter but otherwise remained the same.