The OptiCool by Quantum Design is an innovative magneto optical cryostat that places your sample right at the center of the optical setup. It features a custom 3.8-inch bore, split-coil, conical magnet oriented perpendicular to the optical table, providing magnetic fields of up to ±7 tesla.
Thanks to its compact, integrated design, the sample remains easily accessible for optical measurements, even with the magnet in place. The cryostat includes seven side optical ports and one top optical port, offering versatile access to your sample from multiple angles.
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Possible Applications for the OptiCool Environment
- NV / Color Defect / Vacancy Centers
- Nanomagnetism
- Time-Resolved Magnetic Spectroscopy
- Quantum Optics
- Spintronics
- MOKE / CryoMOKE
- Raman / FTIR Spectroscopy
- Photoluminescence
- UV / VIS Reflectivity & Absorption
- AFM / Microscopy
The OptiCool magneto optical cryostat is a cryogen-free device that uses automated software to regulate temperature and magnetic field. With the press of a button, users can alter the sample temperature from 1.7 K to 350 K, with or without an applied magnetic field. A generous 89 mm diameter by 84 mm tall sample container opens up new opportunities in experiment design.
Features
- 8 Optical Access Ports:
- 7 Side Ports (NA > 0.11)
- 1 Top Port (NA > 0.7)
- 89 mm x 84 mm Sample Volume
- Automated Temperature & Magnet Control
- Cryogen Free
- Temperature Range: 1.7 K to 350 K
- 7 T Split-Coil Conical Magnet
- Low Vibration: <10 nm peak-to-peak
Image Credit: Quantum Design International
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Customizations
Sample Pods
The Sample Pod from OptiCool gives users a location to construct and personalize their experiment on the bench. The Sample Pod plugs into the temperature control column, which is already wired when you are ready to take a measurement. Switching out experimental gear is possible by setting up various experiments on different pods.
Depending on the experimental requirements, sample Pods are offered in regular and large-volume configurations. Each pod type can be further customized by altering the riser pieces (available in three lengths and included with the system) to adjust the height of the mounting plate.
- Standard Sample Pod: Permits mounting plates to be positioned above the magnet center at 56.4 mm, 32.8 mm, and 12.4 mm
- Large-Volume Sample Pod: Permits the placement of mounting plates at 87.4 mm, 111.0 mm, and 131.3 mm below the magnet center
Standard Sample Pod. Image Credit: Quantum Design International
Large Volume Sample Pod. Image Credit: Quantum Design International
Wiring and Feedthroughs
Electrical and optical signals can enter and exit the OptiCool cryostat via wiring or feedthrough options. Wiring options are often implemented at the factory because they are permanently attached to the cryostat. The end user can easily install or remove the fiber feedthrough. Select which option suits the experimental requirements:
- Standard Sample Wiring: Eight twisted pairs, or 16 wires altogether, are included in each example wiring setup. The pod has four 4-pin connectors that can be used to connect to the sample
- 3-Axis Positioner Wiring: The wiring assembly for the positioner is made to work with stacks of attocube piezo positioners. With the RES position feedback, each assembly has enough wires to run up to three axes of motion. The feedback wires can be used to operate an extra three axes of motion if position feedback is not needed
- RF Coax Wiring: The RF coax wiring assembly has four coaxial cables that can transport high-frequency signals up to 20 GHz
- Optical Fiber Feedthrough: Introduce four or more optical fibers into the sample volume. It can also be used to hold additional items, such as gas tubes
Sample Positioning
Many optical applications require precise positioning of the sample in the optical channel for focusing or analyzing an area of interest. The capacity to scan the sample is also required for two-dimensional imaging of sample attributes. To meet these requirements, the OptiCool cryostat can be equipped with a piezo-based nanopositioning stack that moves the sample in situ.
The nanopositioner option includes all the adapters required to place the nanopositioners on a pod, specialized cryostat wiring, cabling that connects to the piezo controller, and a thermal link created specifically for use with the OptiCool. Depending on the experimental requirements, the nanopositioner stack can be installed on either conventional or large-volume pods.
A Rapid Thermal Stage is also offered, which shortens the time needed to stabilize focus on the sample during temperature ramps or changes. Quantum Design also has a Wired Sample Mount that enables users to connect their samples to the 16 pads of a detachable sample mount. The sample mount has a flex wiring cable that easily fits into the sample pod.
OptiCool nanopositioner on standard pod. Image Credit: Quantum Design International
OptiCool nanopositioner on large-volume pod. Image Credit: Quantum Design International
Rapid Thermal Stage mounted on Thermal Link plate. Image Credit: Quantum Design International
Wired Sample Mount attached to Thermal Link plate. Image Credit: Quantum Design International
Windows and Objectives
A range of windows and microscope objectives might be needed for optical experiments. Quantum Design provides window and objective configuration alternatives, such as a bottom access window, vacuum objective mounting gear, and a low working-distance top window option, to meet these needs.
The minimal working distance between the top of the outer window and the underside of the inner shield window is lowered from 15 mm to roughly 3 mm, thanks to the low working distance top window.
Users can immediately install a wide range of objectives at close spacing using the provided window clamp and standard off-the-shelf adaptor rings. This means users can change or swap objectives while the sample is cold. A Zeiss 100× LD EC Epiplan-Neofluar objective with infinity correction is also available from Quantum Design and can be fitted mounted inside the cryostat.
This objective has a working distance of 4 mm and a numerical aperture 0.75. If desired, a kit is also provided for mounting the user’s own goals in a vacuum. The cryostat has a bottom access window that allows transmission measurements along the magnet axis perpendicular to the optical table surface.
OptiCool room temperature objective. Image Credit: Quantum Design International
OptiCool low working-distance window. Image Credit: Quantum Design International
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Videos
OptiCool® — Introduction Video
OptiCool® - Introduction. Video Credit: Quantum Design International