SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIOS IN INDUCTIVE AND MECHANICAL DETECTION OF MAGNETIC-RESONANCE

Magnetic resonance usually is detected inductively, using resonant cir cuits. Recent experiments have detected magnetic resonance mechanicall y, using the magnetic force acting between a sample and a nearby force microscope cantilever. This article compares the sensitivity of induc tive and mechanical methods for detecting magnetic resonance. We show that, as mechanical oscillators are made smaller, their ability to det ect magnetic resonance signals improves, such that existing force micr oscope cantilevers provide a viable alternative to inductive methods f or detecting magnetic resonance.