Magnetic force microscopy of thin film media for high density magnetic recording

This paper discusses various aspect of magnetic force microscopy (MFM) for use in the field of high density magnetic recording. After an introduction of the most important magnetic imaging techniques, an overview is given of the operation and theory of MFM. The developments in instrumentation, MFM tips, quantification of MFM data, high resolution imaging and application of external fields is discussed. Examples are given of the applications of MFM, such as the characterization of heads, magnetic structures (bits) in longitudinal and perpendicular recording media, bits in magneto-optic films and domain structures in soft magnetic materials. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.