Modular low temperature laser scanning microscope for high magnetic fields

Abstract

A Low Temperature Laser Scanning Microscope (LTLSM) for use in magnetic fields up to 5 T in a temperature range from 10 K to 300 K is described. An important feature of the LTLSM is an optical performance (2 μm laser spot diameter, 250 μm×250 μm scanning field size) which is independent from sample temperature or applied magnetic field. The modular concept of the LTLSM consists of a magnet cryostat with a horizontal warm bore into which a room temperature laser scanning microscope (LSM) and an optical continuous flow cryostat for sample cooling can be inserted. This concept ensures a sample temperature independent hold time of the cryogenic magnet system (∼14 hours) and sample exchange without warming up the cryogenic magnet system. Furthermore, it allows further improvement and convenient replacement of all of its components.