Magnetic microscopy using SQUIDs

Abstract

SQUID-based magnetic microscopy involves scanning a sample closely past a low-noise SQUID. With the SQUID held in a flux-locked loop, a computer records the feedback output as a function of sample position and converts the resulting data into a false color image of magnetic field strength. Present systems have achieved spatial resolution down to about 5 /spl mu/m and flux resolution down to about 1 /spl mu//spl Phi//sub 0//Hz/sup 1/2/. They have been used to study the pairing symmetry of the high-T/sub c/ superconductors, for high-frequency imaging, and for a variety of applications related studies. Recently, microscopes have also been developed for high resolution magnetic imaging of room-temperature samples. We briefly describe the design, operation, and capabilities of these systems.