Scanning magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) microscopy: High-resolution magnetic imaging of geologic samples

Abstract:

We describe a Micromagnetics, Inc. magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) scanning microscope developed for the University of Cambridge Nanopaleomagnetism Lab. The MTJ sensor used contains a thin film multilayer structure, whose core consists of two ferromagnetic electrodes, separated by an insulating layer. One of the electrodes is magnetically pinned via exchange bias to an antiferromagnetic layer, while the other is free to react to an external magnetic field. The magnetization of the pinned layer is fixed in a perpendicular direction, so this ferromagnetic junction can be used as a low-field magnetic sensor. The magnetoresistance of the junction is dependent on the magnetic orientation of the electrodes, and is quantified as the percent change between the low and high resistance states. The higher its value, the more sensitive the device is, which makes the MTJ sensor (magnetoresistance exceeding 200%) particularly attractive for detecting small-scale magnetic structures. The MTJ sensor does not require the use of cryogens, enabling straightforward, low-cost operation of the microscope. The lack of cryogen technology means the sensor can be brought close to the sample surface, routinely allowing for sample-to-sensor distances of 15-20 μm. Scan height depends on factors such as scanning mode (if using a static or vibrating stage), sample surface configuration, or sensor configuration (i.e., proximity of the sensor to the tip of the die). This renders the MTJ microscope capable of producing magnetic images that may resolve features as small as 15 μm, and of detecting field intensities lower than 1 μT. This technology is particularly useful for detecting stray fields from micro-regions of interest preserving the original paleomagnetic signature within a bulk sample that may also contain remagnetised regions. Examples include ancient or altered rocks, extraterrestrial materials, samples containing inclusions or exsolution structures, and in general specimens characterised by spatial heterogeneity. In addition, the high-resolution capability of the MTJ microscope makes it extremely useful for investigating sedimentary archives formed under low accumulation conditions (e.g., speleothems, stromatolites, Fe-Mn nodules) that hold a detectable environmental magnetic signal.