Nitrogen cooled optical cryostat for microscopy: MicrostatN2

Liquid nitrogen optical cryostat for microscopy

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Liquid nitrogen cooled, vacuum loading continuous flow (CF) cryostat for optical microscopy.

New look, new features, new accessories, new software.

Lower base temperature and reduced nitrogen consumption.

3 mm working distance
70 - 500 K temperature range
Compact, lightweight system: only 400 g and 24 mm thick
Ecomonical use of cryogens: leess than 0.5 L/hr
Choice of reflectance (one window) or transmission (two windows) configuration
Quick cooldown: 80 K in less than 10 minutes.
Easy integration into commercial microscopes

Specifications
System options
Operation
Applications
New accessories

Layout and dimensions

MicrostatN short working distance liquid nitrogen optical cryostat dimensions

MicrostatN short working distance liquid nitrogen optical cryostat optics

Optical specifications (reflectance mode)

Window thickness	0.5 mm	1.5 mm
Clear access diameter	10 mm	25 mm
Sample holder to window top surface	3 mm	3 mm
Angle of admittance (to surface of sample holder at centre)	126°	160°
Maximum sample thickness	2 mm	1 mm
Maximum sample diameter	20 mm	20 mm

All dimensions are approximate and relate to the top window with plain sample holder

Product specifications

Operating temperature range	77 K to 500 K
Temperature stability	± 1 K from 80 K to 120 K ± 0.5 K from 120 K to 500 K
Nitrogen consumption	< 0.5 litres/hour at 80 K
Cooldown time	< 10 minutes from ambient to 80 K with transfer tube cold
Sample holder drift at constant temperature	± 1.0 μm /hr(see note 1)
Maximum sample size	20 mm diameter x 2 mm (in reflection) 15 mm diameter x 8 mm (in transmission)
Sample window material	Spectrosil B fused quartz Other materials available on request
Standard temperature sensor	Platinum resistor
Sample change time	~30 minutes
Weight	0.4 kg

1. Approximate measurement; the stability is not measured or guaranteed and will be dependent upon the final system’s configuration and the environment that the equipment is used in.

Windows

A wide range of window materials can be fitted to the MicrostatN2 - see the 'Windows for optical cryostats guide' in Downloads And Links
A 0.5 mm thick, 10 mm optical access Spectrosil B quartz window is fitted as standard. We also offer an option for a 25 mm access diameter, 1.5 mm thick
Transmission experiments use an alternative bottom flange with a second window fitted and a transmission sample holder
Additional or replacement window flanges available via the Oxford Instruments Direct - Cryospares® on-line catalogue

Temperature controller

New MercuryiTC Intelligent cryogenic envrionment controller

The MicrostatN2 works on a continuous flow principle using an oil-free pump to draw liquid nitrogen from a storage vessel along a transfer tube to the heat exchanger. Temperature control is achieved by a combination of manual nitrogen flow control and power dissipated in an electrical heater, regulated using a temperature controller.

Research areas	Technique (optical & microscope based techniques)
Study of molecular bonds in crystal lattices	Micro-FTIR
Study of molecular energy levels	Micro-Raman scattering and inelastic light scattering
Studies of Quantum Dot structures in AS/GaHS	Micro-lumuinescence
Semiconductors - Quantum systems - dots/wires/wells	Micro-Photo luminescence Micro-luminescence

NEW Transfer tube - It plays an important part in the overall helium consumption and base temperature capability of helium cooled cryostat.

Oxford Instruments Low Loss Transfer tubes (LLT) use the cold gas exiting the cryostat to cool the shields surrounding the incoming liquid within the trasfer tube. As a result, the consumption of our cryostats is the lowest on the market, dramatically reducing your running costs.

We can also offer an extra flexible transfer tube for those with restricted space in their labs. Please note that as this does not use the gas cooled mechanism, helium consumption will be higher that for the LLT range. However it will be well suited to those who need lightweight and more flexible transfer tube.

NEW Gas flow controller - The new VC-U gas flow controller now includes the nitrogen and helium flow meters as standard.

NEW Intelligent cryogenic environment controller - Easy monitoring and control of the sample stage. The MercuryiTC controller combines several instruments into one allowing temperature control at the heat exchanger and glas flow control as well as an extra sensor channel for thermometry measurement directly at the sample stage. Everything can be accessed through touch screen front panel and remotely via Labview compatible Oxsoft IDK software.

Example MicrostatHe2: You can control the temperature with a sensor and heater at the heat exchanger, monitor and control the gas flow, AND have an extra sensor channel to measure sample temperature.

New Oxsoft IDK instrument development kit software - With the new Oxsoft IDK, you have new levels of control. You can design remote control and configuration programs and integrate your system into your preferred experiment control architecture.

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