SQUID microscope for magnetic structure visualization in magnetoimpedance elements

An attempt to apply a SQUID microscope for visualization of magnetic structure in giant magnetic impedance (GMI) elements was undertaken. The measurements were carried out on the 1/spl times/10/sup -3/ mm thick permalloy strip with the in-plane sizes 6 mm/spl times/0.3 mm. The topography of the vertical component of magnetic field was imaged with a high spatial resolution close to 30/spl times/10/sup -3/ mm over the central part of a sample. The images taken in the applied magnetic field varied over the range /spl plusmn/4 kA/m reveal the domain structure with anisotropy perpendicular to longitudinal sample axis.