No Arabic abstract
We present results of Niobium based SQUID magnetometers for which the weak-links are engineered by the local oxidation of thin films using an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM). Firstly, we show that this technique allows the creation of variable thickness bridges with 10 nm lateral resolution. Precise control of the weak-link milling is offered by the possibility to realtime monitor weak-link conductance. Such a process is shown to enhance the magnetic field modulation hence the sensitivity of the magnetometer. Secondly, AFM lithography is used to provide a precise alignment of NanoSQUID weak-links with respect to a ferromagnetic iron dot. The magnetization switching of the near-field coupled particle is studied as a junction of the applied magnetic field direction.
We use an atomic force microscope (AFM) to manipulate graphene films on a nanoscopic length scale. By means of local anodic oxidation with an AFM we are able to structure isolating trenches into single-layer and few-layer graphene flakes, opening the possibility of tabletop graphene based device fabrication. Trench sizes of less than 30 nm in width are attainable with this technique. Besides oxidation we also show the influence of mechanical peeling and scratching with an AFM of few layer graphene sheets placed on different substrates.
We report low-temperature transport spectroscopy of a graphene quantum dot fabricated by atomic force microscope nanolithography. The excellent spatial resolution of the atomic force microscope allows us to reliably fabricate quantum dots with short constrictions of less than 15 nm in length. Transport measurements demonstrate that the device is dominated by a single quantum dot over a wide gate range. The electron spin system of the quantum dot is investigated by applying an in-plane magnetic field. The results are consistent with a Lande g-factor of 2 but no regular spin filling sequence is observed, most likely due to disorder.
We perform an extensive experimental spectroscopic study of the collective spin-wave dynamics occurring in a pair of magnetic nano-disks coupled by the magneto-dipolar interaction. For this, we take advantage of the stray field gradient produced by the magnetic tip of a ferromagnetic resonance force microscope (f-MRFM) to continuously tune and detune the relative resonance frequencies between two adjacent nano-objects. This reveals the anti-crossing and hybridization of the spin-wave modes in the pair of disks. At the exact tuning, the measured frequency splitting between the binding and anti-binding modes precisely corresponds to the strength of the dynamical dipolar coupling $Omega$. This accurate f-MRFM determination of $Omega$ is measured as a function of the separation between the nano-disks. It agrees quantitatively with calculations of the expected dynamical magneto-dipolar interaction in our sample.
An atomic force microscope is used to structure a film of multilayer graphene. The resistance of the sample was measured in-situ during nanomachining a narrow trench. We found a reversible behavior in the electrical resistance which we attribute to the movement of dislocations. After several attempts also permanent changes are observed. Two theoretical approaches are presented to approximate the measured resistance.
A new method of preparation of radio-frequency superconducting quantum interference devices on MgB2 thin films is presented. The variable-thickness bridge was prepared by a combination of optical lithography and of the scratching by an atomic force microscope. The critical current of the nanobridge was 0.35 uA at 4.2 K. Non-contact measurements of the current-phase characteristics and of the critical current vs. temperature have been investigated on our structures.