Minimal cryo-module for light microscopy down to 2 Kelvin

Objective

Cryogenic optical microscopy is gaining importance in branches of bioimaging, photonics and semiconductor research, as well as quantum technology due to the significant suppression of thermal motion and enhancement of sample stability. However, integrating cryogenic conditions within the conventional microscopy segment in a sustainable way remains technically challenging. Outstanding issues include thermal drifts and vibrations from cryocoolers that compromise optical stability, incompatibility of standard optics at cryogenic temperatures, and the reliance on unsustainable usage of liquid helium. Current solutions either use complex, mechanically decoupled systems that are unsuitable for integration into standard microscopes, or simpler systems that consume cryogens continuously. Drawing from the ERC-funded MSpin project, the MinCryo proposal aims to address this gap by developing a compact, high-stability, and closed-cycle cryo-microscope module that can be added to commercial microscopes. MinCryo holds the potential for a high-gain technological leap, that will shift cryogenic microscopy from a specialized technique to a broadly deployable tool across industry and academia.