Non-standard MFM imaging

Abstract

Despite decades of advances in magnetic imaging, obtaining direct, quantitative information with high spatial resolution remains an outstanding challenge. The imaging technique most widely used for local characterization is the Magnetic Force Microscope (MFM). This technique was initially focused on the study of the magnetic storage media, however, its versatility, high spatial resolution and simplicity in operation, led to the widespread use of the MFM in the characterization of thin film, magnetic nanostructures and nanoparticles. The MFM is indeed a very active topic of investigation and new operations modes have being developed in the last years to address its main challenges [1,2]. In this work, we present the use of non-standard MFM imaging to gain information about the reversal magnetization process in nanostripes [3], the domain wall pinning in cylindrical nanowires [4], the domain configuration in multilayered nanowires [5], as well as the determination of the easy axis in magnetic nanoparticles [6]. The MFM operation under various environmental conditions -in particular under liquids- have opened the possibility of studying magnetic materials of biological interest [7].