Near-Field Magneto-Optical Microscope

Patent · Tue Dec 06 04:00:00 EST 2005

OSTI ID:875784

Vlasko-Vlasov, Vitalii; Welp, Ulrich; Crabtree, George W.

A device and method for mapping magnetic fields of a sample at a resolution less than the wavelength of light without altering the magnetic field of the sample is disclosed. A device having a tapered end portion with a magneto-optically active particle positioned at the distal end thereof in communication with a fiber optic for transferring incoming linearly polarized light from a source thereof to the particle and for transferring reflected light from the particle is provided. The fiber optic has a reflective material trapping light within the fiber optic and in communication with a light detector for determining the polarization of light reflected from the particle as a function of the strength and direction of the magnetic field of the sample. Linearly polarized light from the source thereof transferred to the particle positioned proximate the sample is affected by the magnetic field of the sample sensed by the particle such that the difference in polarization of light entering and leaving the particle is due to the magnetic field of the sample. Relative movement between the particle and sample enables mapping.

• Research Organization: US Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): 6,972,562
• Application Number: 10/945,953
• OSTI ID: 875784
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION
DESIGN
FIBER OPTICS
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MICROSCOPES
OPERATION
POLARIZATION
RESOLUTION