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Glovebox-assisted magnetic force microscope offers easier image of air-sensitive samples

Glovebox-assisted magnetic force microscope offers easier image of air-sensitive samples
Topography and MFM images of the CrI3 bulk crystal at 5 K and in fields up to 11.9 T. Credit: Zhang Yuchen

A research team led by Prof. Lu Qingyou from Hefei Institutes of Âé¶¹ÒùÔºical Science (HFIPS) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) achieved a breakthrough by creating a Magnetic Force Microscope (MFM) that can image air-sensitive materials without requiring surface protection coatings.

. However, air sensitivity makes it difficult to characterize the intrinsic magnetic properties of these materials directly.

In this research, the compact MFM system addresses this challenge by providing a for imaging air-sensitive materials with precision and reliability.

"It's small," said Dr. Zhang Yuchen, a member of the team, "and as the microscope can be taken apart, we are able to conduct the whole process in an with the help of a glovebox."

What she is referring to is a unique detachable sealed chamber of the MFM probe. When moving sensitive samples from a glovebox to a low-temperature, high-magnetic-field environment, it can effectively protect them from air exposure.

Glovebox-assisted magnetic force microscope offers easier image of air-sensitive samples
Glovebox-Assisted Magnetic Force Microscope Offers Easier Image of Air-Sensitive Samples. Credit: Zhao Weiwei

This ensures the integrity and cleanliness of the sample surface, allowing for the capture of high-resolution images that reveal the intrinsic magnetic structures of materials such as chromium triiodide (CrI3).

The successful development of this glovebox-assisted MFM system marks a significant step forward in magnetic microscopy technology. "It paves the way for future advancement in magnetic materials research and next-generation magnetic storage devices," said Dr. Zhang.

More information: Yuchen Zhang et al, Glovebox-assisted magnetic force microscope for studying air-sensitive samples in a cryogen-free magnet, Review of Scientific Instruments (2024).

Provided by Hefei Institutes of Âé¶¹ÒùÔºical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences

Citation: Glovebox-assisted magnetic force microscope offers easier image of air-sensitive samples (2024, March 7) retrieved 7 June 2025 from /news/2024-03-glovebox-magnetic-microscope-easier-image.html
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