Long-Term Performance of Magnetic Force Microscopy Tips Grown by Focused Electron Beam Induced Deposition

Abstract

High-resolution micro- and nanostructures can be grown using Focused Electron Beam Induced Deposition (FEBID), a direct-write, resist-free nanolithography technology which allows additive patterning, typically with sub-100 nm lateral resolution, and down to 10 nm in optimal conditions. This technique has been used to grow magnetic tips for use in Magnetic Force Microscopy (MFM). Due to their high aspect ratio and good magnetic behavior, these FEBID magnetic tips provide several advantages over commercial magnetic tips when used for simultaneous topographical and magnetic measurements. Here, we report a study of the durability of these excellent candidates for high-resolution MFM measurements. A batch of FEBID-grown magnetic tips was subjected to a systematic analysis of MFM magnetic contrast for 30 weeks, using magnetic storage tape as a test specimen. Our results indicate that these FEBID magnetic tips operate effectively over a long period of time. The magnetic signal was well preserved, with a maximum reduction of 60% after 21 weeks of recurrent use. No significant contrast degradation was observed after 30 weeks in storage.