Magnetic materials

Magnetic materials

STEM-DPC image of the Gemini Centre logo.

A recent development in the TEM Gemini Centre is the imaging of magnetic fields in materials. This enables nanoscale characterization of ferromagnetic domains in a range of materials, which can be combined with characterization of the crystal structure and composition.

The main technique is Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy - Differential Phase Contrast (STEM-DPC). Here the Lorentz force causes a small deflection of the electron beam, which we detect on a 4D-STEM detector. This technique can also be used to image electric fields in materials, for example in ferroelectric thin films.

Example of materials:

  • Nanostructured permalloy
  • Freestanding magnetic perovskite oxide membrane
  • Irradiated Fe60Al40
  • Thin film skyrmion material