Selective anodization

Selective anodization is a process that can enable the formation of isolated conductive regions in a dielectric layer. It´s novelty arises from the way a single layer of conductive metal can be anodized so as to create a dielectric material with isolated regions of a defined pattern that remain conductive. Electrical contact can be made to the underlying device via the conductive regions while the device remains passivated by the anodized regions. This paper reports on two different methods for achieving the selective anodization of aluminium and presents a novel interdigitated rear contact device design that could use this selective anodization process to achieve a pattern of metal and dielectric regions.