Scanning probe microscopy in high vectorial magnetic fields: New device for imaging quantum materials

Introduction

The invention of the scanning tunneling microscope (STM) and of other similar devices was a revolution for research at atomic scale. Many companies offer microscopes which can be used to study materials at atomic scale as a function of temperature or magnetic field.

Importance of Magnetic Field Direction

However, unlike temperature, the magnetic field is a vector quantity. The direction of the magnetic field vector is as important as its magnitude when it comes to studying properties of materials at atomic scale.

Current Limitations

The only solution available today to vary the vector of the magnetic field is to build a set of three separate solenoids, with which one can generate separately the three components of the magnetic field vector. However, this unavoidably implies a significant reduction of the magnitude of the largest vectorial fields that one can obtain, typically at most 1-2 T.

Project Overview

The EU proposal VectorFieldImaging will overcome this challenge by developing new technology to modify the orientation of the entire microscope with respect to the solenoid. This will provide a significantly less-costly solution that will allow the direction of the magnetic field to be varied at the highest available magnetic fields, opening the door to the microscopic studies of many quantum phenomena.

Objectives

Specifically, the project will focus on:

1. Establishing technical feasibility
2. Ensuring usability
3. Commercialization of prototypes that allow turning a STM inside a high magnetic field solenoid tested in an operational environment by end users.

Potential Impact

If successful, this technology will make a real breakthrough in the area of quantum materials by allowing visualization by means of scanning probes at very high vectorial magnetic fields.