CAN MAGNETIC-FORCE MICROSCOPY DETERMINE MICROMAGNETIC STRUCTURES

The applicability of magnetic-force microscopy (MFM) to determine micromagnetic structures is considered with respect to the work of Williams et al. (1992), who claim to have determined the domain-wall structure in magnetite. The analysis and interpretation of MFM data are recapitulated and the potential pitfalls are illustrated by comparing the results of the MFM experiments with the magnetization distribution obtained by spin-polarized scanning electron microscopy on the same sample. It is concluded that the micromagnetic interpretation of MFM data is extremely difficult and currently not feasible.