Micromagnetic simulation of CNT-MFM probes under magnetic field

On the ferromagnetic-film-coated carbon nanotube for a magnetic force microscope (CNT-MFM) probe, the stability of the magnetic structure in an external magnetic field was investigated using a three-dimensional micromagnetic simulation. When a magnetic field was applied along the longitudinal direction, in the direction opposite that of the magnetization of the probe, the direction of the magnetic moments of the probe remained the same up to −200 mT and then reversed all at once. When a magnetic field was applied along horizontal direction, the direction of the magnetic moments gradually tilts with increasing field. MFM observations seem to be possible for magnetic fields up to 100 ∼ 150 mT, judging from the magnetic structure of the probe. In contrast, the magnetic structures of pyramidal probes show vortex-like magnetic structure and low tolerance to an external magnetic field. The CNT-MFM probe is relatively robust under an external magnetic field due to the strong shape anisotropy attributed to its cylindrical shape.