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QUANTUM SCANNING MICROSCOPE

Measure magnetic fields at the nanoscale

Scanning NV as easy as AFM

Explore what you can measure

Static magnetic field imaging

Nanoscale magnetism is inherently weak and challenging to measure. The QSM combines optimized hardware with advanced measurement protocols, enabling rapid and quantitative imaging of weak magnetic domains as small as a few tens of nanometers.

Measurement modes: cw-ODMR and pulsed-ODMR, QuickODMR, iso-B, dual iso-B, quench

Antiferromagnets
Antiferromagnets
Imaging weakly varying fields over large distances
Sample: Hematite
Designed for performance with uncompromised measurement speed, the QSM can do NV imaging with megapixel resolution in just a few hours.
Multiferroics
Multiferroics
Megapixel imaging of BFO
Sample: BiFeO3
In combination with our Quantum Scanning Probe series, the QSM uniquely enables the detection of extremely weak fields originating from domains as small as just a few tens of nanometer. See below for a gallery of images from our BFO samples.
2D magnets & weak antiferromagnets
2D magnets & weak antiferromagnets
Imaging μT field strengths
Sample: Single 2D flake
Discover our portfolio of NV protocols to image μT fields in just a few hours.

Varying magnetic field imaging

More on extension

Imaging time-varying magnetic fields involves additional experimental complexity and often requires stringent scanning NV probe requirements. The QSM, in combination with our QST tips, masters this complexity and makes varying magnetic fields as simple to image as their static counterpart.

Measurement modes: Rabi, QuickRabi, T1/Relaxation, Current reconstruction mode

Spin waves, coplanar waveguides & RF devices
Spin waves, coplanar waveguides & RF devices
Quantitative imaging of RF fields
Sample: YIG
Harness the power of the NV qubit to quantitatively resolve RF field strength on your sample with nanometer-scale resolution. From spin-wave excitations to RF devices such as coplanar waveguides and ion traps, the QSM enables high-precision imaging of AC magnetic fields.
Spin & magnetic noise imaging
Spin & magnetic noise imaging
T1 scanning as easy as ODMR
Sample: BiYIG
When a varying magnetic field does not posses a specific frequency it may be varying over a wider spectral band. The QSM is still capable of imaging the magnetic noise from a surface by looking at the influence of the noise on the NV spin coherence.
AC Current Sensing
AC Current Sensing
Reconstruct surface currents
Sample: Silicon chip
The QS3 software can be expanded with a reconstruction toolkit capable of converting measured B field maps into images of surface current density. Get in touch to learn more.

Additional magnetic imaging modes

More on extension

Is scanning NV imaging not enough? The QSM features extensive magnetic characterization modes beyond NV magnetometry. Alongside a Magneto-Optical-Kerr-Effect imaging line, it features a versatile PFM and MFM optical readout head based on a beam-bounce tapping mode scanning tip. All measurements can be performed on the same sample area empowering researchers with a comprehensive and flexible magnetometer.

Measurement modes: MOKE, MFM, PFM, KPFM

MOKE
MOKE
From the nanoscale to large magnetic domains
Sample: BiYIG
Looking for something specific on your sample? With MOKE you can rapidly scan large areas of several tens of micrometers and locate a specific area of interest.
MFM
MFM
Revolutionary magnetic imaging meets tradition
Sample: SAF (FCB/Ir/Pt/CoB/Ir/Pt)x2
For strongly magnetic samples, Magnetic Force Microscopy (MFM) provides a powerful, established method for surface magnetism imaging—now fully accessible through the QSM.
PFM
PFM
Multistack imaging of multiferroics
Sample: BiFeO3
Interested in electrical properties? Equip your QSM with Piezo-Force-Microscopy (PFM) imaging and resolve domains of electrical polarization. Correlate electric and magnetic properties spatially by combining PFM and NV imaging.

Curious how it all works?

Dive into the science behind NV centers and QSM, and learn how our Quantum Scanning Tips deliver industry-leading sensitivity. Then explore our NV image library to see the technology in action.

System description

At a glance

The QSM is a turnkey scanning NV microscope designed to unite user-friendliness with high performance.


From large megapixel images to high resolution, high sensitivity maps, the QSM is the right tool for the job. Delivering performance close to the shot noise limit, its flexible platform makes it a versatile tool for studying magnetic phenomena at the nanometer scale, from stray fields and vortices over domain boundaries to current densities.

System overview

Optics head

Scanning confocal optics for NV excitation and readout, scanning MOKE and widefield imaging

AFM stage

AFM head with manual 3D stage for microwave excitation for NV scanning probes

Magnet stage

Mechanical magnet or electro vectormagnet for biasing the NV and sample

Isolating enclosure

Temperature-stabilized and acoustically isolated enclosure with active vibration isolation. Reduces sample drift to a few nm/h

Closeup

NV customized optics compatible with multiple laser colors. Additional side view imaging for precise positioning of the antenna and the tip on the sample

Broad measurement range over >80 mT (microwave bandwidth 600 MHz - 6 GHz)

Large scanner footprint for flexible sample geometry

Stitching extends the 85 x 85 µm2 scanner range to cover feature sizes up to several millimeters

Custom DC and RF lines for manipulating sample properties

SPM Scanner and Coarse Stage
Sample ScannerXYZ scanner range: 85 x 85 x 15 µm3 (closed-loop, 0.15 nm resolution)
System noise z: <50 pm RMS (dependent on environment)
Coarse StageXYZ range 6 x 6 x 15 mm3 (100 nm resolution); Stitching with scanner movement possible
SPM ModesTuning fork based AFM mode, NV modes: photoluminescence, Iso-B, cw-ODMR, QuickODMR, pulsed protocols
Sample Size25 mm diameter, (up to 50 x 50 mm2 with custom holder)
Probe-Sample Drift Rate<2 nm/h over 50 h in temperature stabilized housing
Imaging Modes
NV ScanningMagnetic spatial resolution: theoretical <10 nm; typical 25–70 nm; Magnetic sensitivity*: 0.5–3 µT/√Hz; Full B pixel rates up to 200 Hz
AFM TopographyTip dependent: NV scanning probes ~1 nm (z), ~150 nm (xy); Akiyama probes (non NV) <1 nm (z), <30 nm (xy)
Confocal FluorescenceCircular scanning range: 150 µm diameter; <1 µm imaging resolution @515 nm
Scanning pulsed measurementsODMR, Rabi, Ramsey, Relaxometry and user-defined pulse sequences.
AdditionalMOKE, MFM, PFM, KPFM
* Probe and protocol dependent: shot noise limit for DC sensitivity in cw-ODMR: better than 1.5 µT/√Hz, for pulsed ODMR better than 500 nT/√Hz
Confocal Microscope Performance
Microscope Objective50x magnification, NA=0.75, WD=5.2 mm, FOV=150 µm diameter; NV-band optimized and compatible with 515 nm, 575 nm and 637 nm
Optical Scanning RangeCircular aperture with 150 µm diameter FOV
Quantum Control Console
Microwave Source0.6–6 GHz, up to 36 dBm (5 W), custom range and output power available on request; with NV Advanced Modes extension: AWG with 1.25 GS/s, 400 MHz bandwidth; Custom MW circuitry available on request
Light Source & Detection515 nm laser source (cw & pulsed control), >10 mW, <1.5 ns rise/fall time; SPAD module with high quantum efficiency
Vibration and Temperature Isolation
Vibration IsolationActive isolation 0.7–300 Hz, passive isolation above 300 Hz; Transmissibility <0.01 (-40 dB) above 10 Hz
Temperature Stabilization<0.1°C temperature drift

QSM extensions

Get even more out of your measurements

Vector and permanent magnet modules

Use our vector magnet to quickly vary external magnetic fields exceeding 80 mT in an arbitrary direction, program ramps, trajectory or demagnetization routines.

Interested in stronger fields? Check out our permanent module series up to 500 mT.

Temperature regulated housings

Make full use of the single NV's high spatial resolution by limiting the drift rate to <5 nm over 10 hours.

NV Advanced Modes Extension

Boost speed, sensitivity and augment imaging modes to include spin wave imaging, spin noise spectroscopy, RF imaging and more. Customize the MW implementation to fit your measurements.

MOKE – Additional magnetic imaging

Enhance the scope of your microscope with MOKE, a fast, surface-sensitive magnetic inspection technique, ideal for rapid characterization across larger sample areas and fast hysteresis loop measurements.

MFM and PFM – Additional magnetic imaging

Perform correlative analysis using MFM and PFM modes together with NV to directly compare magnetic and piezoelectric properties at the same sample location. Extend the magnetic range with MFM.

Sample temperature control options

Browse our options to control the temperature of your sample from -50°C to over 100°C.

Sample control extensions

Whether you want to add electrical connections (DC or RF lines, micro probers) to your samples or study magnetism as a function of angle (rotation stage), we offer a variety of sample control solutions.

Spin-to-charge extension

Expand your NV optics with orange and red lasers to enable spin-to-charge conversion measurements.