A reliable, versatile optical furnace for Raman spectroscopy of molten salts and hot solids

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Abstract
A new inexpensive optical furnace is described which combines small size, compactness, adaptability, efficiency and very low thermal gradients. The unit is operated in vacuum and is designed primarily for Raman spectroscopy of molten salts, but also has been readily used for studying hot crystals. Molten samples are contained in a specially constructed silica cell which can be easily inserted and positioned inside, or removed from, the assembled furnace. Sample temperatures of about 1100 degrees C are easily attained using merely conventional resistance wire (Nichrome) as the heating element and for an input power of about 250 W.