Sensitive SQUID magnetometry for studying nanomagnetism

Abstract

The superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer is one\nof the most sensitive experimental techniques to magnetically characterize\nsamples with high sensitivity. Here we present a detailed discussion of\npossible artifacts and pitfalls characteristic for commercial SQUID\nmagnetometers. This includes intrinsic artifacts which stem from the inherent\ndesign of the magnetometer as well as potential issues due to the user. We\nprovide some guidelines how to avoid and correct these, which is of particular\nimportance when the proper magnetization of nano-scale objects shall be\nestablished in cases where its response is dwarfed by that of the substrate it\ncomes with, a situation frequently found in the field of nano-magnetism.\n