A magnetic force microscope (MFM) is a scanning probe microscope (SPM) that can map the spatial distribution of magnetism by measuring the magnetic interaction between a sample and a tip. As magnetic devices have become smaller and smaller, an evaluation technique with nanoscale spatial resolution has become necessary. To meet this need, the MFM was developed.

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Distinct operation mode of an AFM, where magnetic interactions are detected. A magnetised probe is scanned at a certain height tracking the topography, which was recorded in a first step. Thus a topographical influence can be excluded.

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A method for observing local magnetic fields near a surface by scanning the surface with a magnetic probe.

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