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The scanning SQUID microscope has proved to be a valuable tool for the study of fundamental properties of solid state systems. It has the advantages of high magnetic field sensitivity, a linear, easily calibrated response over a huge dynamic range, and uses sensors which (at least for the low-Tc SQUIDs) incorporate a mature technology. It has the disadvantages of the requirement of a cooled sensor and modest spatial resolution. I will briefly describe the current status and potential advances in this instrument, and then discuss some example fundamental applications. These examples include pairing symmetry tests, tests of the interlayer tunneling model for the pairing mechanism, the search for `visons'', and evidence for a precursor to superconductivity well above Tc, all in the high-Tc cuprate superconductors; and measurements of the properties of very small magnetic particles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Describes a scanning superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) microscope which combines a novel pivoting lever mechanism for coarse scale imaging with a piezoelectric tube scanner of fine-scale scans. Field sensitivity; Design and operation; Capabilities of SQUID microscopy; Absolute calibration of the instrument with an ideal point source; Experiment on an application.

We have demonstrated a miniature vector magnetometer for imaging three orthogonal components of the magnetic field in close proximity to a planar sample. This magnetometer consists of three separate SQUIDs fabricated adjacent to each other on a planar substrate using a planarized, three-level-of-metal low-Tc process with features as small as 0.8 /spl mu/m. The z-axis SQUID has a conventional single square pick-up loop, approximately 10 /spl mu/m in size, that connects to remotely located tunnel junctions via a totally enclosed planar coaxial lead structure. The x- and y-axis SQUIDs are of similar design except that the pick-up structures are in the form of multiple-turn planar solenoids about 10 /spl mu/m in size. In this paper we will discuss the design, fabrication, and characterization of the devices along with initial results of the imaging of individual trapped flux quanta. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Demonstrates a design for a scanning superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) microscope in which the sample temperature can be varied. Magnetic imaging of samples at varying temperatures with micron-scale spatial resolution.