Nanoscale magnetic field mapping with a single spin scanning probe magnetometer

TL;DR

This paper introduces two nanoscale magnetic field mapping techniques using a single nitrogen-vacancy defect, enabling high-resolution, quantitative, and all-optical magnetic imaging suitable for nanomagnetism and spintronics.

Contribution

It presents novel lock-in and all-optical methods for nanoscale magnetic field mapping with a single spin probe, extending the capabilities of diamond-based magnetometry.

Findings

Achieved nanoscale magnetic field mapping with a single NV center.

Extended the operation range to large off-axis magnetic fields.

Demonstrated techniques on a magnetic hard disk sample.

Abstract

We demonstrate quantitative magnetic field mapping with nanoscale resolution, by applying a lock-in technique on the electron spin resonance frequency of a single nitrogen-vacancy defect placed at the apex of an atomic force microscope tip. In addition, we report an all-optical magnetic imaging technique which is sensitive to large off-axis magnetic fields, thus extending the operation range of diamond-based magnetometry. Both techniques are illustrated by using a magnetic hard disk as a test sample. Owing to the non-perturbing and quantitative nature of the magnetic probe, this work should open up numerous perspectives in nanomagnetism and spintronics.