Theory of galvanoluminescence in the anodic oxide films obtained by aluminum anodization in ammonium tartrate

Abstract

The experimental as well as the theoretical aspects of galvanoluminescence (GL) during the anodization of aluminum in the barrier-layer forming electrolyte ammonium tartrate are considered in this paper. The experimental results are explained by the avalanche theory, where the electron trapping processes and the influence of interference effects on the measured GL intensity have been taken into account as well. It is assumed that the luminescence is produced by impact excitation of luminescent centers (LCs). The electric field strength F in the parts of the oxide film occupied by avalanches is calculated in addition to its influence on the ionization coefficient α, mean free path for electron capture by trap x0 and the number of the avalanche electrons. The formula for spectral intensity of GL is also derived.