A theoretical model of magneto optic scanning laser microscopy

• Published in: IEEE transactions on magnetics Vol. 32; no. 4; pp. 3154 - 3164
• Main Authors: Wright, C.D., Nutter, P.W., Filbrandt, P.W.M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY IEEE 01.07.1996; Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
• Subjects: Biological and medical applications; Detectors; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Laser applications; Laser modes; Laser theory; Magnetic force microscopy; Magnetic separation; Mathematical analysis; Optical diffraction; Optical imaging; Optical microscopy; Optics; Physics; Reflectivity; Magnetooptical device; Microscopy; Mathematical analysis; Transfer functions; Theoretical study; Scanning laser acoustic microscope; Mathematical models; Optical microscopes; Microscopes; Modeling
• ISSN: 0018-9464; 1941-0069
• DOI: 10.1109/20.508380

A complete, scalar diffraction based, mathematical analysis Is presented for evaluating the response of both ordinary (reflectance) and magneto-optic confocal and non-confocal scanning laser microscopes. Magneto-optic configurations employing both single and differential detector arrangements are analyzed. A transfer function approach is adopted that enables the imaging properties of the optical system to be separated out from the properties of the object. It is therefore straightforward to compare quantitatively the imaging performance of different optical arrangements. A particularly interesting result is that the impulse response of a magneto-optic scanning laser microscope with the commonly used differential detection technique is identical to that of a simple incoherent reflectance microscope.