Physics and Technics of Magnetic Measurement Methods

In this module an introcuction into the physics and technology of modern magnetic measurement techniques is given. Following a repetition of some basics of magnetism, the generation of magnetic fields in the laboratory is discussed. In the main part of the lecture, different magnetic measurement techniques are introduced in context with relevant scientific questions. These questions address the experimental determination of, e.g., Fermi surfaces using torque magnetometry, domain structures in magnetic recording media using Magnetic Force Microscopy, magnetization dynamics using the magneto-optical Kerr effect or the arrangement of atomic magnetic moments on solid-state surfaces detected by spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy. The underlying physical principles and the technological realizations of the measurement methods are highlighted. The physics of the magnetic phenonema under investigation as well as the physics of the relevant measurement technique are discussed with a focus on the basic physical aspects in this area of experimental physics. Current scientific developments in these topical area are considered in this module.

After successful participation in this module the student is able to:

1. understand and explain different concepts of magnetic systems and the effects of magnetic fields on different solid-state systems;
2. understand and explain the physical aspects of specific magnetic measurement techniques, in particular the interaction between measurement object and sensor;
3. describe and explain the technical implementation of different magnetic measurement techniques;
4. judge the spatial and temporal resolution capability of magnetic measurement techniques.;
5. select and to sketch experimental setups relevant for the investigation of physical questions in magnetism;
6. name the different time- and length scales relevant to magnetic phenomena.

Keine Vorkenntnisse nötig, die über die Zulassungsvoraussetzungen zum Masterstudium hinausgehen.

lecture, beamer presentation, board work, lab tours

lecture script, accompanying internet site, complementary literature

1. Kronmüller H., Parkin S.S.P. (Eds.): Handbook of Magnetism and Advanced Magnetic Materials, Vols. 1-5 (Wiley, Chichester, 2007)
2. Getzlaff, Matthias: Fundamentals of Magnetism (Springer Verlag, 2008)
3. Zhu, Yimei: Modern techniques for characterizing magnetic materials (Springer New York, 2005)
4. Ashcroft, Mermin: Solid State Physics (Saunders, 1988)

There will be an oral exam of 25 minutes duration. Therein the achievement of the competencies given in section learning outcome is tested exemplarily at least to the given cognition level using comprehension questions and sample calculations.

For example an assignment in the exam might be:

• Name different magnet designs and discuss their merits and limitations
• Discuss the physical mechanisms underlying the concept of magnetic force microscopy
• Rank the spatial and temporal resolution of the magnetic measurement techniques discussed in the lecture
• Outline the specific technical implementation of a magnetic measurement technique discussed in the lecture