Magnetic domain imaging with a scanning near-field optical microscope using a modified Sagnac interferometer.
We report on the combination of a scanning near-field optical microscope and a modified Sagnac interferometer for magnetic-domain imaging in the reflection mode. The Sagnac interferometer is used for detection of the magneto-optical Kerr effect. Since the interferometer is inherently insensitive to polarization changes caused by topography effects, magnetic-domain imaging is not limited to samples with flat surfaces. In this way, it is possible to image magnetic bits written on the tracks of a magneto-optical disc that has a rather pronounced surface profile.
Bauer
A
A
Institut für Experimentalphysik, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany. bauer@physik.fu-berlin.de
Petersen
B L
BL
Crecelius
T
T
Meyer
G
G
Wegner
D
D
Kaindl
G
G