Abstract
We describe a new type of scanning probe microscope based on a
superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) that resides on the apex of
a sharp tip. The SQUID-on-tip is glued to a quartz tuning fork which allows
scanning at a tip-sample separation of a few nm. The magnetic flux sensitivity
of the SQUID is 1.8 \mu_0/Hz^1/2 and the spatial resolution is about 200
nm, which can be further improved. This combination of high sensitivity,
spatial resolution, bandwidth, and the very close proximity to the sample
provides a powerful tool for study of dynamic magnetic phenomena on the
nanoscale. The potential of the SQUID-on-tip microscope is demonstrated by
imaging of the vortex lattice and of the local AC magnetic response in
superconductors.
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