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Research methods - Magnetic imaging
It is possible to see magnetic domains! It is even possible to distinguish between different directions of the magnetisation
Illustration of the new Kerr microscope (funded by support from Knut and Alice Wallenberg foundation)
Kerr microscopy
Compared to e.g. magnetic force microscopy the Kerr microscopy method has the advantage of directly monitoring the in-plane and out-of-plane magnetization components. Furthermore, Kerr microscopy can be used in a wide range, visualizing domains in the range of 0.0003 mm to few mm. The resolution is limited, by the wavelength of the visible light, to roughly 0.0003 mm.
Depending on the relative orientation of the incident light, the applied magnetic field, and the domains, patterns of black, white and greys are obtained. A large black and white contrast is obtained from areas with opposite magnetization directions.
The microscope is operated using polarized light, with an electromagnet around the sample position and adjustable illumination to optimize the contrast. It can also be equipped with heating and cooling stages for studies of temperature dependence of domain formation and dynamics.