Magnetic Resonance Force Microscopy (MRFM) is a sensitive method to investigate spin systems, which uses a flexible cantilever as mechanical amplifier of the forces on its magnetic tip. However,...Show moreMagnetic Resonance Force Microscopy (MRFM) is a sensitive method to investigate spin systems, which uses a flexible cantilever as mechanical amplifier of the forces on its magnetic tip. However, MRFM is generally limited in its application at milliKelvin temperatures because existing devices rely on laser interferometry to detect cantilever deflection, which heats the cantilever, leaving many condensed matter systems out of reach for MRFM. Furthermore, lower temperatures correspond to lower cantilever force noise, so samples with more diluted spins could be investigated. SQUID-detected MRFM, using the flux induced by a moving cantilever tip, does allow for operation at milliKelvin temperatures. Yet, SQUID-detecting setups have still been limited in sample accessibility because the detection loop is printed on the sample. This thesis reports on the construction of a SQUID-detected MRFM device that employs a single probe head design to overcome the issue. The design choices and assembly methods for this device, called the easyMRFM, are discussed, as well as models to predict the sensitivity. It was found that the coupling is large enough to do optimisations in liquid helium dipstick experiments, although the thermal cantilever motion signal will only barely rise above the flux noise level. Lastly, a room-temperature magnetometry setup for cantilever chips is discussed that has proven useful in characterising cantilevers before mounting them in more permanent setups.Show less
