Magnetic domain imaging with a scanning near-field optical microscope using a modified Sagnac interferometer
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Updated: Oct 7, 2026

Optimizing Magnetic Force Microscopy Resolution and Sensitivity to Visualize Nanoscale Magnetic Domains
Published on: July 20, 2022
A Bauer1, B L Petersen, T Crecelius
1Institut für Experimentalphysik, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany. bauer@physik.fu-berlin.de
Abstract:
We report on the combination of a scanning near-field optical microscope and a modified Sagnac interferometer for magnetic-domain imaging in the reflection mode. The Sagnac interferometer is used for detection of the magneto-optical Kerr effect. Since the interferometer is inherently insensitive to polarization changes caused by topography effects, magnetic-domain imaging is not limited to samples with flat surfaces. In this way, it is possible to image magnetic bits written on the tracks of a magneto-optical disc that has a rather pronounced surface profile.
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