In:
Journal of Applied Physics, AIP Publishing, Vol. 91, No. 11 ( 2002-06-01), p. 9161-9169
Abstract:
An electrostatic force microscope (EFM) and a Kelvin probe are used to characterize the charges embedded in thin anodic alumina layers of thickness ranging from 100 to 400 nm. Introducing a method for obtaining self-supported alumina layers, we exhibit the presence of positive charges at the metal/oxide interface of anodic alumina layers. These positive charges, together with the negative charges present at the surface of the anodic layer, induce a true polarization of the layer. The magnitude of this polarization depends on the conditions of preparation of the layers and can be well controlled. As a second step, we show the influence of this polarization on charge injection in these layers with EFM: charges of both signs may be injected in unpolarized layers whereas one cannot inject negative charges in polarized layers, which thus exhibit a diode-like behavior.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0021-8979
,
1089-7550
Language:
English
Publisher:
AIP Publishing
Publication Date:
2002
detail.hit.zdb_id:
220641-9
detail.hit.zdb_id:
3112-4
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1476463-5
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