Multifunctional magnetic force microscopy probes

• Applicant: Dr. Thomas Mühl
• Subject Area: Experimental Condensed Matter Physics
• Term: from 2005 to 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 18162073

Iron nanowires inside carbon nanotubes (FeCNT) may be considered as single-crystalline and single-domain nanomagnets that are chemically and mechanically stabilized by the carbon shells. FeCNTs attached to conventional cantilevers constitute monopole-like high-resolution magnetic force microscopy (MFM) probes. Here, we propose MFM probe designs and corresponding modes of operation to enable both lateral and perpendicular probe oscillations. These sensors are sensitive to magnetic field derivatives parallel and perpendicular to the sample surface. Even more advanced schemes include (i) MFM probes utilizing coupled cantilever-nanotube oscillators boosting the probe sensitivity and (ii) probes performing Lissajous curves with direct field sensitivity as opposed to usual field derivative sensitivity.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants