Tuning color by pore depth of metal-coated porous alumina.

A simple and effective color tuning method has been developed by controlling the pore depth of the metal-coated porous alumina (PA) template. The mechanism for color tuning in this method was uncovered, which can be used to design a colorful complex pattern. A colorful 'world map' was produced and exhibited on a PA template by this method. Such vivid color tuning is predominantly due to the interference enhancement of the nanostructure. This method has the potential for tuning colors and being widely applied in the fields of nanotechnology, physics and photonics.