Detailed description of a compact cryogenic magnetic resonance force microscope

We describe the design and operation of a cryogenic magnetic resonance forc e microscope for detecting nuclear magnetic resonance. Instrument-critical details are enumerated, including fabrication of a positionable radio-frequ ency coil, detection of angstrom-level microcantilever oscillations using a n optical fiber interferometer, design of a compact fiber/cantilever alignm ent system, temperature compensation of the fiber/cantilever gap, control o f sample temperature, and vibration isolation. Additionally, experimental p rotocols and sample specific considerations such as spin relaxation times a re addressed. F-19 nuclear magnetic resonance data obtained from a Nd-doped CaF2 sample are presented.