Combined implementation of fs-laser pulses, ns-current pulses, and a bipolar magnetic field in a MFM sample environment

We present an innovative sample environment as an addition to an otherwise unmodified commercial magnetic force microscope, which enables the deterministic manipulation and subsequent in situ characterization of magnetic thin-film systems. The setup enables spatially resolved magnetic characterization in a bipolar magnetic field (±380 mT) after the optical manipulation of magnetic states by 370 fs short laser pulses at a central wavelength of 1030 nm and/or the generation and movement of magnetic domains via current pulses of nanosecond duration. This unique sample environment implemented within the commercial magnetic force microscope system is thus optimized to image the generation and manipulation of magnetic domains in thin films, without the need of transferring the sample to another device, e.g., for optical or electrical excitation in suitable external fields. Consequently, measurement cycles are sped up significantly. The entire sample environment was fabricated using 3D printing in combination with standard optical components.