Photonic stop bands in quasi-random nanoporous anodic alumina structures

The existence of photonic stop bands in the self-assembled arrangement of pores in porous anodic alumina structures is investigated by means of rigorous 2D finite-difference time-domain calculations. Self-assembled porous anodic alumina shows a random distribution of domains, each of them with a very definite triangular pattern, constituting a quasi-random structure. The observed stop bands are similar to those of photonic quasicrystals or random structures. As the pores of nanoporous anodic alumina can be infiltrated with noble metals, nonlinear or active media, it makes this material very attractive and cost-effective for applications including inhibition of spontaneous emission, random lasing, LEDs and biosensors.

► Nanoporous anodic alumina are quasi-random photonic structures.
► FDTD simulations reveal the existence of photonic stop bands.
► Photonic stop bands appear at the same range as with periodic triangular lattices.
► Cost-effective production of photonic stop band materials.