Thinning anodic aluminum oxide films and investigating their optical properties

In this study, we propose the determination of the dissolution rate of anodic aluminum oxide barrier layer, using a new, simple electrochemical setup and the transmission spectrum of alumina, recorded before and after several successive partial removals of barrier layer of the thin film. By dissolving the barrier layer and then thinning the alumina membrane, some changes appear in the optical transmission spectrum, in both experimental and calculated examples, which provide us information on the dissolution rate of alumina barrier layer. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.