Methods for wide-field Kerr imaging of small magnetic devices

Wide-field magneto-optic Kerr observation techniques are described for the imaging of magnetic recording heads and other small magnetic devices. The imaging problems encountered for these samples are quite different from those for continuous films and lead to a different set of experimental approaches. Observation techniques that preserve the magnetic state of the sample allow for the implementation of new image acquisition algorithms based on multiple additions and subtractions that progressively build up a weak Kerr contrast even under unfavorable experimental conditions. Examples of results are presented