One-Dimensional Photonic Crystals with Nonbranched Pores Prepared via Phosphorous Acid Anodizing of Aluminium

One-dimensional photonic crystals (1D PhCs) obtained by aluminium anodizing under oscillating conditions are promising materials with structure-dependent optical properties. Electrolytes based on sulphuric, oxalic, and selenic acids have been utilized for the preparation of anodic aluminium oxide (AAO) 1D PhCs with sub-100-nm pore diameter. AAO films with larger pores can be obtained by anodizing in phosphorous acid at high voltages. Here, for the first time, anodizing in phosphorous acid is applied for the preparation of AAO 1D PhCs with nonbranched macropores. The sine wave profile of anodizing voltage in the 135-165 V range produces straight pores, whose diameter is above 100 nm and alternates periodically in size. The pore diameter modulation period linearly increases with the charge density by a factor of 599 +/- 15 nm center dot cm(2)center dot C-1. The position of the photonic band gap is controlled precisely in the 0.63-1.96 mu m range, and the effective refractive index of AAO 1D PhCs is 1.58 +/- 0.05.

Automated summary

One-dimensional photonic crystals (1D PhCs) with structure-dependent optical properties can be prepared by anodizing aluminium under oscillating conditions using different electrolytes and controlling the voltage profile. Anodic aluminium oxide (AAO) 1D PhCs with nonbranched macropores can be obtained by anodizing in phosphorous acid. The pore diameter modulation period is linearly related to the charge density and the position of the photonic band gap can be precisely controlled in the 0.63-1.96 μm range.