A confocal optical microscope for detection of single impurities in a bulk crystal at cryogenic temperatures

Rev Sci Instrum. 2016 Mar;87(3):033701. doi: 10.1063/1.4942906.

Abstract

A compact sample-scanning confocal optical microscope for detection of single impurities below the surface of a bulk crystal at cryogenic temperatures is described. The sample, lens, and scanners are mounted inside a helium bath cryostat and have a footprint of only 19 × 19 mm. Wide field imaging and confocal imaging using a Blu-ray lens immersed in liquid helium are demonstrated with excitation at 370 nm. A spatial resolution of 300 nm and a detection efficiency of 1.6% were achieved.