The Moler lab builds and operates tools for measuring magnetic fields on small length scales. We use these tools to study superconductivity and mesoscopic quantum mechanical effects at low temperatures.

Historically, a substantial portion of the lab's effort has focused on building magnetic microscopy tools that enable new physical discoveries. This focus can be broadly divided into two areas: sensor development, and the construction, design, and operation of improved scanning apparatuses. Sensors projects include carbon nanotube tipped magnetic force microscope cantilevers, 100-500 nm gallium arsenide hall probes, and 0.5-4 μm Superconducting QUantum Interference Device (SQUID) susceptometers. The lab currently operates and improves on several home-built scanning apparatuses. These systems include a 4 Kelvin (K) magnetic force microscope, and a 300 mK He³ and 12 mK dilution refrigerator that are used for scanning SQUID and Hall probe studies. These setups have mechanical and acoustic vibration isolation measures and use piezo positioners for precise sensor control. A large-diameter 1.5 K insert has been used for new scanner development for these instruments. One final scanning system, which has a non-piezo-based positioning system, operates in a continuous-flow cryostat to allow measurements down to 4K with very fast turnaround times.

We use our expertise in scanning magnetometry and susceptometry to investigate a wide variety of systems. Traditionally, our efforts have focused on three primary subjects: 1) Single vortex dynamics in classical and high temperature superconductors, 2) Spontaneous currents and vortex effects in highly correlated electron systems, and 3) Mesoscopic superconductors and currents in normal metal rings, with an increasing interest in the spin properties of such small structures.

Because thorough web pages are difficult to maintain in real time, we encourage viewers to look at our recent publications for more information, or simply contact us to hear about our current interests.

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