Title: Analysing Magnetism Using Scanning SQUID Microscopy,
Abstract: Scanning superconducting quantum interference device microscopy (SSM) is a
scanning probe technique that images local magnetic flux, which allows for
mapping of magnetic fields with high field and spatial accuracy. Many studies
involving SSM have been published in the last decades, using SSM to make
qualitative statements about magnetism. However, quantitative analysis using
SSM has received less attention. In this work, we discuss several aspects of
interpreting SSM images and methods to improve quantitative analysis. First, we
analyse the spatial resolution and how it depends on several factors. Second,
we discuss the analysis of SSM scans and the information obtained from the SSM
data. Using simulations, we show how signals evolve as a function of changing
scan height, SQUID loop size, magnetization strength and orientation. We also
investigated 2-dimensional autocorrelation analysis to extract information
about the size, shape and symmetry of magnetic features. Finally, we provide an
outlook on possible future applications and improvements.