Why not use magnetotactic bacteria for domain analyses?

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For nondestructive domain analyses of transformer sheets with stress coating, high voltage SEM techniques as well as special colloid techniques have been developed. In the present study, a medium containing magnetotactic bacteria was applied to the sample surface. It was found that the bacteria orient themselves in the stray fields originating from the domain structure, and swim in the field direction. This allows visualization of domains whose stray field is directed into the sheet. Comparisons between the bacteria technique, colloid technique and computer controlled field scanning method are discussed for different kinds of materials.