Variable Temperature Dewar for Cathodoluminescence Studies

Abstract

We describe a single refrigerant, variable temperature Dewar employing the forced convection of cold gas to obtain sample temperatures in the range 12 to 300 K. Although the Dewar was developed for cathodoluminescence studies using 100 to 400 keV electrons, the design permits easy modification for other uses. The Dewar features quick cool‐down time, the option of fast thermal cycling, the efficient removal of heat from small irregularly shaped samples mounted strain‐free, the ability to change samples quickly at all temperatures, and thermometry isolated from the sample irradiation chamber.