Magnetic force microscopy

This review on magnetic force microscopy does not provide an exhaustive ove r-view of the past accomplishments of the method but rather discusses the p resent state of the art. Magnetic force microscopy is a special mode of non contact operation of the scanning force microscope. This mode is realized b y employing suitable probes and utilizing their specific dynamic properties . The particular material composition of the probes and the dynamic mode of their operation are discussed in detail. The interpretation of images acqu ired by magnetic force microscopy requires some basic knowledge about the s pecific near-field magnetostatic interaction between probe and sample. The general magnetostatics as well as convenient simplifications of the general theory, which often can be used in practice, are summarized. Applications of magnetic force microscopy in the magnetic recording industry and in the fundamental research on magnetic materials are discussed in terms of repres entative examples. An important aspect for any kind of microscopy is the ul timately achievable spatial resolution and inherent restrictions in the app lication of the method. Both aspects are considered, and resulting prospect s for future methodical improvements are given.