Recurrence Tracking Microscope

In order to probe nanostructures on a surface we present a microscope based on the quantum recurrence phenomena. A cloud of atoms bounces off an atomic mirror connected to a cantilever and exhibits quantum recurrences. The times at which the recurrences occur depend on the initial height of the bouncing atoms above the atomic mirror, and vary following the structures on the surface under investigation. The microscope has inherent advantages over existing techniques of scanning tunneling microscope and atomic force microscope. Presently available experimental technology makes it possible to develop the device in the laboratory

Scanning microSQUID Force Microscope

A novel scanning probe technique is presented: Scanning microSQUID Force microscopy (SSFM). The instrument features independent topographic and magnetic imaging. The SSFM operates in a dilution refrigerator in cryogenic vacuum. Sample and probe can be cooled to 0.45 K. The probe consists of a microSQUID placed at the edge of a silicon chip attached to a quartz tuning fork. A topographic vertical resolution of 0.02 micrometer is demonstrated and magnetic flux as weak as $10^{-3} \Phi_{0}$ is resolved with a 1 micrometer diameter microSQUID loop.Comment: submitted to Review of Scientific Instrument