A novel numerical approach to interpret images obtained by magnetic force microscope

Images obtained using a magnetic force microscope (MFM) used for analyzing magnetic recording head field and calculated force derivatives are compared and the interpretation of the images are investigated. The relationship between the MFM image and the calculated magnetization distribution of the ferromagnetic tip is discussed. It is found that careful consideration of the magnetization distribution of the ferromagnetic tip is necessary to evaluate the MFM images properly.