An ultra-compact low temperature scanning probe microscope for magnetic fields above 30 T.

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Scanning probe microscopy (SPM) is crucial for nanoscale characterization.
• Operating SPM in extreme environments like high magnetic fields presents significant challenges.
• Previous SPM systems were limited in their ability to function under such conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and demonstrate a highly compact high field scanning probe microscope (HF-SPM).
• To enable SPM operation at cryogenic temperatures within extremely high magnetic fields (up to 38 T).
• To characterize and mitigate vibrational noise from a Bitter magnet for reliable SPM measurements.

Main Methods:

• Development of a 14 mm diameter HF-SPM incorporating an Attocube nano-positioner.
• Utilizing a water-cooled Bitter magnet capable of generating fields up to 38 T.
• Characterization of Bitter magnet-induced vibrational noise up to 300 kHz and implementation of noise mitigation strategies.
• Performance validation through topographic imaging and noise measurements up to 30 T.

Main Results:

• Successful design and implementation of a compact HF-SPM.
• Demonstrated topographic imaging and noise measurements at magnetic fields up to 30 T.
• Characterization of vibrational noise and successful mitigation techniques.
• Validation of the HF-SPM as a 3D dilatometer for magnetostriction measurements on a spinel sample.

Conclusions:

• The developed HF-SPM is a viable tool for nanoscale investigation in ultra-high magnetic fields.
• The system overcomes the challenges posed by extreme magnetic environments for SPM.
• The HF-SPM opens new avenues for studying material properties under extreme conditions, including magnetostriction.