A new method for preparing thin oxide films is described. It makes use of s
low diffusion of oxygen through a permeable layer, towards the metal to be
oxidized. We have used this method to oxidize copper. The permeable layer i
s a dense silver film. The formation of the oxide was followed in situ in a
n attempt to measure the resistance of the cell. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science
B.V. All lights reserved.