Tapping-Mode SQUID-on-Tip Microscopy with Proximity Josephson Junctions

Nano Letters, vol. 26, pp. 1608–1615

Abstract

Studying nanoscale dynamics is essential for understanding quantum materials and advancing quantum-chip manufacturing. Still, it remains a major challenge to measure nonequilibrium properties such as current and dissipation, and their relationship to structure. Scanning nanoprobes utilizing superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) are uniquely suited here due to their unparalleled magnetic and thermal sensitivity. Here, we introduce tapping-mode SQUID-on-tip, which combines atomic force microscopy with nanoSQUID sensing. Our probes minimize the nanoSQUID-sample distance, provide in-plane magnetic sensitivity, and operate on realistic, highly corrugated nanostructures. Frequency multiplexing enables simultaneous imaging of currents, magnetism, dissipation, and topography. The large voltage output of our proximity-junction nanoSQUIDs allows us to resolve nanoscale currents as small as 100 nA using a simple four-probe electronic readout. By capturing local magnetic, thermal, and electronic response without external radiation, our technique offers a powerful noninvasive route to study dynamic phenomena in exotic materials and delicate quantum circuits.

Authors 9

1. Matthijs Rog Aachen

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Huygens-Kamerlingh Onnes Laboratory

   Leiden University

2. Tycho J. Blom Aachen

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Huygens-Kamerlingh Onnes Laboratory

   Leiden University

3. Daan B. Boltje
   Affiliation as printed

   QuantaMap BV, Robert Boyleweg 4, 2333 CG Leiden, The Netherlands

4. Jimi D. de Haan
   Affiliation as printed

   QuantaMap BV, Robert Boyleweg 4, 2333 CG Leiden, The Netherlands

5. Remko Fermin Aachen

   Leiden University · University of Cambridge

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, University of Cambridge, 27 Charles Babbage Road, Cambridge CB3 0FS, United Kingdom

   Huygens-Kamerlingh Onnes Laboratory

   Leiden University

6. Jiasen Niu Aachen

   Leiden University · Munich Center for Quantum Science and Technology · Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

   Affiliation as printed

   Faculty of Physics

   Huygens-Kamerlingh Onnes Laboratory

   Leiden University

   Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich

   Munich Center for Quantum Science and Technology

7. Yasmin C. Doedes Aachen

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Huygens-Kamerlingh Onnes Laboratory

   Leiden University

8. Milan P. Allan Aachen

   Leiden University · Munich Center for Quantum Science and Technology · Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

   Affiliation as printed

   Center for Nano Science

   Faculty of Physics

   Huygens-Kamerlingh Onnes Laboratory

   Leiden University

   Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich

   Munich Center for Quantum Science and Technology

   QuantaMap BV, Robert Boyleweg 4, 2333 CG Leiden, The Netherlands

9. Kaveh Lahabi corresponding Aachen

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Huygens-Kamerlingh Onnes Laboratory

   Leiden University

   QuantaMap BV, Robert Boyleweg 4, 2333 CG Leiden, The Netherlands