- Letter
Imaging out-of-plane magnetization via the tip-contact-induced anomalous Nernst effect
Phys. Rev. Applied 25, L031002 – Published 12 March, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/y8vg-yfxt
Abstract
We present a magnetic-imaging technique for investigating materials with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy using a conventional atomic force microscope. In this method, the tip acts as a thermal anchor, generating localized lateral temperature gradients in a heated nanowire. The resulting anomalous Nernst effect is measured at both ends of the wire. For uniform out-of-plane magnetization, the anomalous Nernst voltage reverses the sign as the tip scans from edge to edge, reflecting the direction of the local temperature gradient. By simulating this gradient, the anomalous Nernst thermopower can be quantitatively determined. Furthermore, this technique enables the visualization of magnetic multidomain structures. Overall, it provides a simple, quantitative, and practical approach to magnetic imaging using widely available atomic-force-microscopy setups.