Nanoscale multifunctional sensor formed by a Ni nanotube and a scanning Nb nanoSQUID

TL;DR

This paper introduces a multifunctional nanoscale sensor combining a Ni nanotube with a Nb nanoSQUID, enabling high-resolution magnetic imaging and displacement detection, advancing nanoscale magnetic and superconducting research.

Contribution

It presents a novel integration of a Ni nanotube with a Nb nanoSQUID for multifunctional nanoscale magnetic sensing and imaging.

Findings

Successful magnetic coupling mapping between Ni nanotube and Nb nanoSQUID

Imaging of an Abrikosov vortex within the SQUID structure

Demonstration of nanoSQUID as an ultrasensitive displacement detector

Abstract

Nanoscale magnets might form the building blocks of next generation memories. To explore their functionality, magnetic sensing at the nanoscale is key. We present a multifunctional combination of a scanning nanometer-sized superconducting quantum interference device (nanoSQUID) and a Ni nanotube attached to an ultrasoft cantilever as a magnetic tip. We map out and analyze the magnetic coupling between the Ni tube and the Nb nanoSQUID, demonstrate imaging of an Abrikosov vortex trapped in the SQUID structure - which is important in ruling out spurious magnetic signals - and reveal the high potential of the nanoSQUID as an ultrasensitive displacement detector. Our results open a new avenue for fundamental studies of nanoscale magnetism and superconductivity.