On Wed, 18 Jan 2006, Michael Foster wrote: > Since the voltage gradient across the aluminum oxide semi- > conductor layer must be tremendous, I'm wondering if this > isn't just high temperature incandescence. The total heat > would be low, but the local temperature might be very high.
Anyone have access to an SEM? I wonder what the structure actually looks like. That SEM photo at http://www.caswellplating.com/kits/images/alumin1.jpg http://www.caswellplating.com/kits/aluminum.htm ... is showing how "anodized" aluminum is able to retain colorants. First you form the micro-columnar pore structure in H2SO4 at low voltage, then you soak it in liquid dye, then you make it permanent by plugging the little pores. If it's incandescent, the "glow regime" might do some damage, or perhaps alter the structure to create sharp points and field emission, or generate molten aluminum nano-droplets, etc? Here's another toy to try: transparent electrodes, indium tin oxide (ITO) coating on plastic, $20 per square foot and up http://www.berk.com/~lessemf/plastic.html "Clear Shield" RF blocker http://www.delta-technologies.com/Products.asp?C=14 ITO on PET If the glowing aluminum is up against a transparent electrode with just a bit of electrolyte between, the whole thing could be viewed on a microscope stage. (((((((((((((((((( ( ( ( ( (O) ) ) ) ) ))))))))))))))))))) William J. Beaty SCIENCE HOBBYIST website billb at amasci com http://amasci.com EE/programmer/sci-exhibits amateur science, hobby projects, sci fair Seattle, WA 206-789-0775 unusual phenomena, tesla coils, weird sci
