Modular low temperature laser scanning microscope for high magnetic fields

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 mum laser spot diameter, 250 mum x 250 mum 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 (similar to14 hours) and sample exchange without warming up the cryogenic magnet system. Furthermore, it allows further improvement and convenient replacement of all of its components.