CAN MAGNETIC-FORCE MICROSCOPY DETERMINE MICROMAGNETIC STRUCTURES

The applicability of magnetic-force microscopy (MFM) to determine micr omagnetic structures is considered with respect to the work of William s et al. (1992), who claim to have determined the domain-wall structur e in magnetite. The analysis and interpretation of MFM data are recapi tulated and the potential pitfalls are illustrated by comparing the re sults of the MFM experiments with the magnetization distribution obtai ned by spin-polarized scanning electron microscopy on the same sample. It is concluded that the micromagnetic interpretation of MFM data is extremely difficult and currently not feasible.