Mapping AC susceptibility with quantum diamond microscope

Abstract

We present a technique for determining the micro-scale AC susceptibility of magnetic materials. We use the magnetic field sensing properties of nitrogen-vacancy (NV−) centers in diamond to gather quantitative data about the magnetic state of the magnetic material under investigation. A quantum diamond microscope with an integrated lock-in camera is used to perform pixel-by-pixel, lock-in detection of NV− photo-luminescence for high-speed magnetic field imaging. In addition, a secondary sensor is employed to isolate the effect of the excitation field from fields arising from magnetic structures on NV− centers. We demonstrate our experimental technique by measuring the AC susceptibility of soft permalloy micro-magnets at excitation frequencies of up to 20 Hz with a spatial resolution of 1.2 µm and a field of view of 100 µm. Our work paves the way for microscopic measurement of AC susceptibilities of magnetic materials relevant to physical, biological, and material sciences.