Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2004. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 98-104).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2002. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 106-113).

Magnetic resonance force microscopy (MRFM) is a new measurement technique combining scanning probe microscopy (SPM) and MR spectroscopy, offering the potential of high resolution chemical specific imaging. MRFM is based on the principle of force detection of magnetic resonance (FDMR) in which the magnetisation of a sample in a magnetic field is coupled to an atomic force microscopy cantilever via a field gradient. Magnetic resonance is used to modulate the sample magnetisation at the cantilever resonant frequency and the resulting oscillating force on the cantilever leads to oscillations which may be detected optically. The high sensitivity of force detection offers the potential for single electron spin sensitivity. This thesis describes instrumental aspects of ESR based FDMR experiments and presents the first results at high fields (3.3T). High fields are advantageous for sensitivity and spectral resolution. However, they pose significant technical challenges. FDMR measurements on the organic conductor (fluoranthene)2PF6 were carried out in experiments based around an existing quasi-optical high field ESR spectrometer. Further measurements on (FA)2PF6 and DPPH are presented together with progress towards the construction of a high field MRFM system, based on a commercial SPM instrument. Experiments were performed with both magnet-on-cantilever and sample-on-cantilever configurations with the former the favoured method for potential imaging applications. Signal detection uses a novel fibre-optic interferometer. Cantilever magnets of low conductivity ferrite appear to be more promising for high Q measurements than the metallic magnets favoured by most other groups. Experiment sensitivities are estimated at around 4.4 x 10⁸ polarised electron spins, comparable to conventional commercial ESR spectrometers. Experimental consistency was difficult, especially regarding the positioning of probe and sample, an area in which refinement is essential for repeatable and sensitive experiments. The potential for imaging is attractive and the prospect of single spin detection is discussed.

In this dissertation I explain the theoretical and experimental details of nuclear magnetic resonance force microscopy (NMRFM). I report the data that I have collected on ammonium hexafluorophosphate at room temperature using NMRFM. This experiment measured cantilever deflection as a function of applied magnetic field. I also report on the progress of a new dynamical room-temperature NMRFM microscope. I describe the new probe and its advantages over the previous generation probe and I show the current calibration measurements. / text

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Nuclear magnetic resonance force microscopy (NMRFM) is a technique that combines aspects of scanning probe microscopy (SPM) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to obtain 3 dimensional nanoscale spatial resolution and perform spectroscopy. We describe the components of a helium-3 NMRFM probe and studies of ammonium sulfate ((NH₄)₂SO₄) and magnesium diboride (MgB₂). For our room temperature (NH₄)₂SO₄ studies we were able to perform a 1-D scan and perform nutation and spin echo experiments. In our 77 K MgB₂ we demonstrate a 1-D scan of a 30 micron powder sample. In addition, we describe magnetic measurements of the possible dilute semiconductors Mn[subscript x]Sc[subscript 1-x]N and Fe₀.₁Sc₀.₉N. / text

Thesis advisor: Michael J. Naughton / Magnetic resonance force microscope (MRFM) is a relatively new form of microscopy, which provides very high-resolution images in three dimensions (3D). Further development of this microscope would provide a great instrument that would further many areas of research, including physics, material science, and biology. This research project aims to explore the possibilities of making a MRFM more sensitive by using carbon nanotubes or zinc oxide nanowires as cantilevers, making the resolution much higher and the scans accurate to a much smaller scale. The Magnetic resonance force microscopy is a cross between a magnetic resonance microscope (MFM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). It combines Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technology with scanning probe microscopy to create an apparatus that can scan a surface and obtain images somewhat like those obtained by current MRI technology but on a much smaller scale. These images can be put back together to create a 3D image of the material. / Thesis (BS) — Boston College, 2004. / Submitted to: Boston College. College of Arts and Sciences. / Discipline: Physics. / Discipline: College Honors Program.

Nuclear magnetic resonance force microscopy (NMRFM) of a micron size sample of ammonium sulfate was performed by measuring the cantilever deflection produced by coupling the magnetic force to a mechanical cantilever at its resonance frequency. Spin-lattice and spin-spin relaxation measurements were obtained with our newly developed NMRFM probe. A system with more advanced positioning, acquisition and analysis has been fabricated. A new device in which a semi-automatic system performs nanoposition control, spin manipulation, dynamical measurements, and data analysis has been demonstrated to be successful. The new system has proven to be an improvement with respect to other versions of NMRFM probes, thanks to its versatility for pulse sequence designs, faster data acquisition, and automatic analysis of the information. This thesis presents an explanation of the theoretical details of nuclear magnetic resonance force microscopy, and experiments are described in which dynamical measurements of proton spin interactions are obtained. Finally, relaxation time e ffects of the observed force signal are considered in detail. A novel spin manipulation technique which is being implemented for future measurements is described in detail, and magnet con figurations for larger magnetic field gradients and consequently larger signal-to-noise ratio, are also described. / text

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This thesis is aimed at studying experimentally the magnetisationdynamics of discs in the sub-micron range made of low dampingferromagnetic materials. For this purpose, an extremely sensitivetechnique has been used: the ferromagnetic resonance force microscopy. A firstpart is devoted to the measurement of the eigenmodes of NiMnSb discstaken in their remanent state: a vortex. The influence of aperpendicular magnetic field on the spin wave modes in the vortex state willbe detailled. Then, the coupling mechanism between the vortex core andthese spin wave, eventually leading to its dynamical reversal, ishighlighted. A theoretical framework of the vortex state is presented,allowing to model the experimental observations. In a second part,the problem of the collective magnetisation dynamics in several FeVdiscs is addressed. Measurements of the collective modes coupled bythe dynamical dipolar interaction are presented, associated with atheoretical modelisation which explain quantitatively the experimentalresults.