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Vortex images in thin films of YBa2Cu3O7−<i>x</i> and Bi2Sr2Ca1Cu2O8+<i>x</i> obtained by low-temperature magnetic force microscopy
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1996
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Superconducting MaterialMagnetic PropertiesEngineeringMicroscopyMagnetic ResonanceLaser AblationMagnetic MaterialsMagnetismSuperconductivityHigh Tc SuperconductorsMagnetic Thin FilmsMaterials ScienceHigh-tc SuperconductivityPhysicsVortex ImagesMagnetic MaterialVortex DynamicsMicrofabricationScanning Probe MicroscopyCondensed Matter PhysicsApplied PhysicsScanning Force MicroscopyTopographic ImageThin FilmsMagnetic PropertyMedicine
We have imaged vortices in superconducting thin films with a low-temperature magnetic force microscope that utilizes microfabricated piezoresistive cantilevers with built-in tips. The films of YBa2Cu3O7−x and Bi2Sr2Ca1Cu2O8+x, are made by laser ablation and molecular beam epitaxy, respectively. The vortices usually appear as round features in the noncontact image with a diameter of about 1 μm or slightly less. In some cases the position of the vortices is correlated to defects observed in the topographic image of the same area. The vortices move sometimes, especially after taking a topographic (contact mode) scan.