The first interferometric dissolution rate monitor (DRM) to probe polymer swelling and dissolution in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO(2)) is reported. Refractive index measurements of scCI(2) as a function of pressure agree with literature and calculated values using the Lorenz-Lorentz equation, even for short equilibration times. The reflected intensity plot with <2 min of pressure and thermal equilibration time shows +/-10(-3) deviation from calculation. Maximum swollen film thickness for a scCO(2) soluble random copolymer of tetrahydropyranyl methacrylate (35 mol%) and 1H. 1H-perfluorooctyl methacrylate (65 mol%) is estimated for pressures 128-197 bar. Dissolution rates show anomalous thickness dependence that can be explained in terms of polymer/surface interactions. It was found that complete film removal requires more than 1000 s below and less than 90 s above similar to 191 bar. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.