title: Laser scanning gradient index optics microscope: submicrometre scale spectroscopy and imaging at cryogenic temperatures.
abstract: A laser scanning far-field optical microscope for low-temperature imaging and spectroscopy based on gradient index optics is presented. A rod-shaped gradient index microlens is used as a zero-working-distance solid immersion objective lens. The obtained lateral resolution is 310 nm of the FWHM at a wavelength of 545 nm. A laser scanning mechanism located outside an optical cryostat enables one to achieve large scanning ranges independent of temperature. The use of the microscope for submicrometre-scale spectroscopy and low-temperature photochemistry performed on molecular J aggregates in thin polymer films is presented.
authors.affiliation: Department of Applied Physics, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Koganei, Japan.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Vacha
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hashizume
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Tani