Confocal Microscopy & Spectroscopy Facility

Focused on Confocal Raman and PL Imaging, the facility houses a custom Horiba Jobin Yvon T64000 confocal microscope, equipped with a triple monochromator for high resolution, low cm-1 work, LN2-cooled CCD and PMT/APD detectors, and a stepper-driven µm/mm stage. The system has spatial mapping capabilities and attachments to allow for temperature-controlled environments including a Linkam TS1500 heated stage (verified up to 800C) and Janis ST-500 cryostat for high and low (LN2 and LHe) temperature testing, respectively.

The system can accommodate multiple excitation wavelengths, including 405 nm (InGaN laser diode), 457, 488, 514, 568 and 647 nm (Ar+ Kr+mixed gas laser), 532 nm (YAG), and 760-850 nm (YAG) capable of doubling to give 380-425 nm.

The capabilities of the system have recently been extended to include time correlated single photon counting (TCSPC), allowing time-resolved and spatially photoluminescence and carrier lifetime studies on semiconductors. This new addition includes a YAG-pumped MIRA Ti:Sapphire oscillator, capable of mode-locking at 150 fs/pulse at 76 MHz or slower with a pulse picker. The nominal NIR output of the MIRA is 760-850 nm with ~ 300 mW CW equivalent, that can be doubled to give 380-425 nm as well. The TCSPC system has an ultimate time resolution of 4 ps.

The open microscope design also allows users to bring their own experimental systems or stages to combine optical interrogation with heating/cooling, electrical testing, etc.

 How-to Information

Steps to Access the Confocal Microscopy and Spectroscopy Facility

1. The Confocal Microscopy and Spectroscopy Facility is managed by CNSI's Quantum Structures Facility. Contact QSF staff to get trained on the instrument.
2. Apply to CNSI for electronic door access to the facility.
3. QSF Staff will add you to the FBS reservation system

Acknowledging Support

Please remember to acknowledge CNSI resources in scientific publications and presentations by including this statement:

“The authors acknowledge the use of the Quantum Structures Facility within the California NanoSystems Institute, supported by the University of California, Santa Barbara and the University of California, Office of the President.”

For work related to the Quantum Foundry also include:

"This work is supported by the National Science Foundation through Enabling Quantum Leap: Convergent Accelerated Discovery Foundries for Quantum Materials Science, Engineering and Information (Q-AMASE-i) award number DMR-1906325."