Scanning Hall probe microscopy

Abstract
We describe the implementation of a scanning Hall probe microscope of outstanding magnetic field sensitivity (∼0.1 G) and unprecedented spatial resolution (∼0.35 μm) to detect surfacemagnetic fields at close proximity to a sample. Our microscope combines the advantages of a submicron Hall probe fabricated on a GaAs/Al0.3Ga0.7As heterostructure chip and the scanning tunneling microscopy technique for precise positioning. We demonstrate its usefulness by imaging individual vortices in high T c La1.85Sr0.15CuO4 films and superconducting networks, and magnetic bubble domains.