A sub-2 Kelvin cryogenic magneto-terahertz scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscope (cm-THz-sSNOM)

Abstract

We have developed a versatile near-field microscopy platform that can operate at high magnetic fields and below liquid-helium temperatures. We use this platform to demonstrate an extreme terahertz (THz) nanoscope operation and to obtain the first cryogenic magneto-THz time-domain nano-spectroscopy/imaging at temperatures as low as 1.8 K, magnetic fields of up to 5 T, and with operation of 0–2 THz. Our Cryogenic Magneto-Terahertz Scattering-type Scanning Near-field Optical Microscope (or cm-THz-sSNOM) instrument is comprised of three main equipment: (i) a 5 T split pair magnetic cryostat with a custom made insert, (ii) a custom sSNOM instrument capable of accepting ultrafast THz excitation, and (iii) a MHz repetition rate, femtosecond laser amplifier for broadband THz pulse generation and sensitive detection. We apply the cm-THz-sSNOM to obtain proof of principle measurements of superconductors and topological semimetals. The new capabilities demonstrated break grounds for studying quantum materials that require an extreme environment of cryogenic operation and/or applied magnetic fields in nanometer space, femtosecond time, and THz energy scales.