Flexible Open Access Optical Cryostat System

Cardiff University’s Research Infrastructure Fund has funded “Flexible Open Access Optical Cryostat System” to establish an open access optical cryostat system with a base temperature of 4K with capabilities for high resolution confocal micro photoluminescence (µPL) across the visible (500-750 nm) and Telecom (1300 – 1570 nm) and with the capability to be expanded to cover other spectral ranges. The cryostat will also be equipped with optical fibre feedthroughs for in situ coupling to integrated devices and high frequency microwave inputs (up to 18 GHz). The cryostat will be specified as a closed cycle system to reduce long-term running costs associated with liquid helium purchase.The requirement is for a closed-cycle optical cryostat compatible with being mounted on or integrated with a vibration damped optical table, and which provides sample positioning in three orthogonal degrees of freedom and the use of high numerical aperture (NA) objective lenses for microscopy.The system will be used for study of crystal defects, 2D materials and quantum dots. This system must maintain microscopy capabilities, including low vibration, temperature stability and high numerical aperture (NA) objective lens access.