Manipulating Spins by Cantilever Synchronized Frequency Modulation: A Variable Resolution Magnetic Resonance Force Microscope

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel spin manipulation protocol for Magnetic Resonance Force Microscopy that synchronizes microwave frequency modulation with cantilever motion, enabling flexible, field-gradient independent control of spin magnetization.

Contribution

The paper presents a new protocol that allows continuous, independent manipulation of spin magnetization in MRFM, improving its versatility for imaging and characterization.

Findings

Enables manipulation of spin magnetization independent of magnetic field gradient.

Allows continuous variation of detected sample volume.

Effective regardless of spin relaxation rate.

Abstract

We report a new spin manipulation protocol for periodically reversing the sample magnetization for Magnetic Resonance Force Microscopy. The protocol modulates the microwave excitation frequency synchronously with the position of the oscillating detection cantilever, thus allowing manipulation of the spin magnetization independent of both magnetic field gradient strength and cantilever response time. This allows continuous variation of the detected sample volume and is effective regardless of spin relaxation rate. This enhanced flexibility improves the utility of MRFM as a generally applicable imaging and characterization tool.