A new method of observing magnetic domains by scanning electron microscopy I. Theory of the image contrast

A theory is developed to explain the magnetic domain contrast observed by scanning electron microscopy using the method reported recently [4, 5]. The theory is based on a model which assumes that the contrast is due to the Lorentz deflection of the incident electrons inside the specimen. Using this model, the dependence of the image contrast on various experimental parameters was calculated analytically. The model was confirmed by means of calculations carried out by computer simulation of electron trajectories (Monte Carlo techniques). The theory accounts satisfactorily for previous experimental results. A more detailed comparison of the theory with experimental results will be published in a subsequent paper.