Magnetic contrast in the scanning electron microscope

The scanning electron microscope has been used to study the domain contrast in ferrimagnetic oxides including garnets. A systematic attempt has been made to investigate the parameters which influence magnetic contrast, particularly those concerned with the electron collecting system. In addition a phenomenological model has been developed which explains most of the observed contrast and image quality features. As a result it is possible to assess quantitatively the image quality as a function of microscope parameters and hence to choose operating conditions which maximize it.