ISSN 1017-2548(Print)
ISSN 2234-8530(Online)
Volume 22, Number 6
JKCSEZ 22(6)
December 20, 1978 

Ellipsometric and reflectance measurements were made on an iron surface in a cathodically reduced state and in an anodically passivated state. From the differences in the optical parameters (Δ, ψ, and reflectance) between the reduced (film-free) and passivated (film-covered) states the thickness and optical constants of the surface film were determined. In the passive state at -400 mV vs. SCE in borate-boric acid buffer solution the anodic film had a thickness of about 11Å and optical constants of n = 2.8 - 0.8 i. This value indicates a substantial electronic conductivity of the anodic film.