Patent Description:
The closest report in the field, namely the <NPL>" discloses a sample holder intended to hold a sample during measurements of optically detected magnetic resonance. The holder disclosed in this document includes an antenna, installed between a brass top plate and a brass bottom plate, acting as the holder base. The top plate and the bottom plate of this holder are connected using four screws placed in the corners of the plates. The sample for testing using the ODMR method is placed directly on the antenna. A Teflon insert acting as an insulator is also provided between the antenna and the bottom plate, wherein signal is delivered to the antenna via an U. FL connector, soldered directly onto the antenna. In the holder disclosed in this document, the optical axis runs orthogonally to the sample surface, and thus to the surface of the top and the bottom plate of the holder.

In the next document, namely in the publication by <NPL>, a so-called microwave cavity (resonator) for ODMR measurement was disclosed. In general, according to the publication, this cavity is made of three main parts, namely the top plate, the wall-less body and the bottom piston. The body and the top plate are connected using two screws passing through threaded openings. The bottom part of the body is threaded, enabling the piston to move, which in turns allows tuning of the resonance frequency. After coarse turning, the piston may be locked in place using a locking nut. According to the disclosure in the publication, the cavity is provided with a sample holder located outside. The holder is tightened to the end of a rod made of stainless steel, terminated with brass ends. Additionally, a stainless steel pipe with strictly defined dimensions is used to introduce the rod terminated with the holder into a cryostat unit, wherein an o-ring ensures access from outside.

The publication "<NPL> also discloses another solution used in ODMR measurements, using sample sputtering. This document discloses sputtering on a metal sample in the form of very thin wire, which may be used to transfer electric current at microwave frequency, followed by electron resonance measurements coupled with optical measurements.

Japanese patent application <CIT> discloses a sample holder for EPR studies, which consists of three plates. However, no opening is provided in top and middle plates, especially since the sample is placed on top of the top plate.

It may be currently said that according to the state of the field of the invention, including publications mentioned above, no solution ensuring optical access to the sample during the performed measurements while simultaneously retaining strong coupling with the microwave radiation, without the need to perform additional technological processes on the sample, such as metal sputtering, application of electrical contacts or lithography is available, while retaining compatibility with already existing systems intended for optical magnetospectroscopy and while retaining favourable, relative directions of the magnetic component of the microwave field and of the external magnetic field towards the direction of the sampling light. It is also extremely important to note that currently, no compact solutions ensuring the use and adaptation to a wide range of frequencies are available. The field of the invention also lacks solutions enabling multiple changes of studied samples, while retaining the aforementioned characteristics and without negative impact on the functional parameters of the measurement system.

Thus, the Applicant developed a solution eliminating the deficiencies and imperfections resulting from the state of the field of the invention.

The subject of the invention is a sample holder for measurements of optically detected magnetic resonance in accordance with claim <NUM>. It includes a top plate and a bottom plate. A middle plate made of dielectric material, with a central opening provided in the plate, is located between the bottom plate made of dielectric material and the top plate made of dielectric material, in which at least one top opening is made. At least one conductive non-magnetic strip is present on the surface of the bottom plate oriented towards a top plate, connected at its first end to the first pole of the microwave signal carrier, and providing electrical connection at its second end with the first end of at least one central, surrounding, conductive non-magnetic strip. At least one central, surrounding, conductive non-magnetic strip is provided on the middle plate, from the side of the central opening, transversely to the side of the middle plate and wherein at least one central, surrounding, conductive non-magnetic strip overlaps both surfaces of the middle plate at its ends. The second end of at least one central, surrounding, conductive non-magnetic strip forms electrical connection with the first end of at least one top, conductive non-magnetic strip provided on the surface of the top plate oriented towards the bottom plate. The second end of at least one top, conductive non-magnetic strip forms electrical connection with the first end of at least one central, surface, conductive non-magnetic strip provided on the side of the middle plate opposite at least one central, surrounding, conductive non-magnetic strip, on the surface oriented towards the top plate. The second end of at least one central, surface, conductive non-magnetic strip is connected to the second pole of the microwave signal carrier, wherein the bottom plate, the top plate and the middle plate are detachably connected. The top opening is preferably separated with a bridge made of dielectric material. The top opening is preferably provided on the top plate, along the conductive non-magnetic strip. The middle plate is optionally made of at least two, separated plates made of dielectric material. The dielectric material is preferably a glass fibre reinforced epoxy laminate, particularly FR-<NUM>. The central opening is preferably provided as a space for placing a sample therein, wherein the sample is placed between the bottom plate and the top plate. The bottom, conductive non-magnetic strip, the central, surrounding, conductive non-magnetic strip, the top, conductive non-magnetic strip and the central, surface, conductive non-magnetic strip are optionally made of metal, such as copper or gold, and are preferably made of gold-plated copper.

The bottom plate, the top plate and the middle plate are preferably provided with connecting openings, through which detachable connections pass through. The detachable connections are provided as screws made of conductive non-magnetic material. At least one top opening preferably has rectangular cross-section. The bottom, conductive non-magnetic strip and the central, surface, conductive non-magnetic strip are preferably connected at one of their ends with the poles of the microwave signal carrier via a microwave socket, preferably a SMP-type socket. The height of the middle plate is preferably larger than the height of the studied sample.

Further disclosed, but not claimed, is J Z a sample holder for measurements of optically detected magnetic resonance, including the top plate and the bottom plate, characterised in that a middle plate made of dielectric material, with a central opening provided in the plate, is located between the bottom plate made of dielectric material and the top plate made of dielectric material, in which the top opening is made. Conductive non-magnetic strips are applied onto the top plate, the middle plate and the top plate, which are connected and form at least one loop of an electrical circuit. The dielectric material is preferably a glass fibre reinforced epoxy laminate, preferably FR-<NUM>. The middle plate is optionally made of at least two separated parts made of a dielectric material.

The conductive non-magnetic strips are preferably made of metal, such as copper or gold, most preferably of gold-plated copper. The bottom plate, the top plate and the middle plate are preferably provided with connecting openings, through which detachable connections pass through. The detachable connection is optionally provided as screws made of non-magnetic material. The top opening preferably has a rectangular cross-section.

The height of the middle plate is preferably larger than the height of the studied sample. Optionally, at least one loop of the electrical circuit is terminated with a microwave socket, preferably a SMP-type socket.

The principle of operation of the holder according to the invention is based on the studied sample placed between the top plate and the bottom plate, inside the central opening in the middle plate, and then the bottom plate, the top plate and the middle plate are connected using the detachable connection. Such a connection of holder elements results in the sample being surrounded in the plane orthogonal to its top surface by a loop formed as a result of electrical contact between at least one bottom, conductive non-magnetic strip, at least one central, surrounding, conductive non-magnetic strip, at least one top, conductive non-magnetic strip and at least one central, surface, conductive non-magnetic strip. Next, the free end of at least one bottom, conductive non-magnetic strip and the free end of at least one central, surface, conductive non-magnetic strip are connected, respectively, with poles of the microwave signal carrier connected to a microwave generator. When the microwave source is turned on, coupling of the studied sample with microwave radiation may be achieved, wherein at least one top opening in the top plate ensures continuous optical access to the studied sample during the measurement, making studies using the ODMR method possible. The holder according to the invention does not require additional technological operations to be performed on the sample, such as metal sputtering or application of electrical contacts onto the sample. The design of the holder according to the invention ensures compatibility with the already existing systems and devices used in optical magnetospectroscopy. Additionally, the described solution is characterised by its compact size and enables its use with a wide range of frequencies, as well as enables measurements in cryogenic temperatures. An additional advantage of the holder according to the invention lies in the fact that it enables the studied samples to be replaced repeatedly without a negative impact on functional parameters of the measurement system. The described holder additionally ensures advantageous direction of the magnetic component of microwave radiation towards the direction of the sampling light and towards the external magnetic field. Thus, technical issues resulting from solutions disclosed in the field have been solved thanks to the holder according to the invention.

The sample holder for measurements of optically detected magnetic resonance is presented in embodiments of the invention and in the figures, in which:.

In the first embodiment of the invention a sample holder is provided for measurements of optically detected magnetic resonance, which includes the bottom plate <NUM>, the top plate <NUM> and the middle plate <NUM>, wherein the bottom plate <NUM> has dimensions <NUM> x <NUM> x <NUM>, the top plate <NUM> has dimensions <NUM> x <NUM> x <NUM>, while the middle plate has dimensions <NUM> x <NUM> x <NUM>. The middle plate <NUM> is provided with a rectangular, central opening <NUM>, which has dimensions <NUM> x <NUM> x <NUM>. In the top plate <NUM>, the top opening is formed by two rectangular, top openings 3a and 3b, divided symmetrically along the longer side of the top plate <NUM> by a bridge <NUM>, also made of FR-<NUM>, with a width of <NUM>. Connecting openings <NUM> with a <NUM> diameter are provided coaxially in all three plates, wherein brass screws with nuts made of the same material pass through said openings. On surface of the bottom plate <NUM> oriented towards the top plate <NUM>, the bottom, conductive non-magnetic strip <NUM> is provided, with a width of <NUM>, length of <NUM> and thickness of <NUM>, made of gold-plated copper. The bottom, conductive non-magnetic strip <NUM> is connected at its first end, via the SMP microwave socket, and through the socket opening <NUM>, with the first pole of the microwave signal carrier, in the form of a microwave cable, while at its second end it forms an electrical connection with the first end of the central, surrounding, conductive non-magnetic strip <NUM>, the width of which is equal to the width of the bottom, conductive non-magnetic strip <NUM> and is equal <NUM>, while its thickness is <NUM>. In the holder according to this embodiment, the central, surrounding, conductive non-magnetic strip <NUM> is placed on the middle plate <NUM> from the side of the central opening <NUM>, transversely to the side of the middle plate <NUM>, and its ends overlap both surfaces of the middle plate <NUM> by <NUM> each. The second end of the surrounding, conductive non-magnetic strip <NUM> forms an electrical connection with the first end of the top, conductive non-magnetic strip <NUM>, the width of which is also <NUM> and which is placed on the surface of the top plate <NUM> oriented towards the bottom plate <NUM>. The top, conductive non-magnetic strip <NUM> passes across the bridge <NUM>. The second end of the top, conductive non-magnetic strip <NUM> forms an electrical connection with the first end of the central, surface, conductive non-magnetic strip <NUM> provided on the side of the middle plate <NUM> opposite to the central, surrounding, conductive non-magnetic strip <NUM> on the side of the middle plate <NUM>, on the surface oriented towards the top plate <NUM>. The width of the central, surface, conductive non-magnetic strip <NUM> is <NUM>. The second end of the central, surface, conductive non-magnetic strip <NUM> is connected with the second pole of the microwave signal carrier via the aforementioned, SMP microwave socket.

In the holder according to embodiment <NUM>, a sample in the form of a quantum well was placed, <NUM> nanometre thick, made of cadmium telluride and doped with manganese (Cd<NUM>-xMnxTe, x=<NUM>,<NUM>%), the <NUM> thick barriers of which were made of cadmium telluride doped with magnesium (Cd<NUM>-xMgxTe, x=<NUM>%). The well was made using epitaxy, with molecular bundles, on a <NUM> micrometre thick substrate made of gallium arsenide, covered with a buffer layer of cadmium telluride, <NUM> micrometre thick. The sample dimensions were <NUM> x <NUM> x <NUM>. Next, radiation with <NUM> frequency and -<NUM> dBm power was supplied from a generator using a microwave cable. Additionally, through the top openings 3a and 3b in the top plate <NUM>, a laser light beam with a wavelength of <NUM> was directed onto the sample and a measurement of optically detectable magnetic resonance was performed at <NUM>,<NUM>. The obtained results allowed a conclusion stating that the holder according to the invention ensures the required optical access to the studied sample, while retaining strong coupling with microwave radiation, thus the holder according to the invention enables correct measurements using the ODMR method. Additionally, thanks to its the design, the holder according to the invention was used in measurements using other frequencies in the ranges between <NUM> and <NUM>, indicating that it may be re-used without deterioration of functional properties of the system.

In the second embodiment of the invention, the sample holder for measurements of optically detected magnetic resonance was prepared similarly to the first embodiment, with the difference that one rectangular top opening 3a with dimensions <NUM> x <NUM> x <NUM> is made in the top plate <NUM>. The top opening 3a is placed asymmetrically in relation to the width of the plate, namely, is located closer to one of the longer sides of the top plate <NUM>. The middle plate <NUM> is provided with a rectangular, central opening <NUM>, which is locate asymmetrically, similar to opening 3a. The central opening <NUM> has dimensions of <NUM> x <NUM> x <NUM> and is located closer to one of the longer sides of the top plate <NUM>, similar to the top opening 3a. In this embodiment, the top, conductive non-magnetic strip <NUM>, provided on the top plate <NUM> on the side of the bottom plate <NUM>, is placed in parallel and at the same distance to the two longer sides of the top plate <NUM>. The asymmetrical position of the central opening <NUM> implies that the surrounding, conductive non-magnetic strip <NUM> and the central, surface, conductive non-magnetic strip <NUM> are located closer to one of the two longer sides of the central opening <NUM>. Bridge <NUM> is absent in this embodiment, wherein the other technical characteristics are analogous to the first embodiment of the invention.

A sample holder for measurements of optically detected magnetic resonance was prepared in the third embodiment of the invention, similarly to the first embodiment of the invention, with the difference that the central plate <NUM> comprises of two separated plates 5a and 5b, made of a dielectric material. Plates 5a and 5b are provided with connecting openings <NUM>.

In the fourth embodiment of the invention, a sample holder for measurements of optically detected magnetic resonance was prepared similarly to the first embodiment, with the difference that the top opening includes eight top openings 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, <NUM>, <NUM> with a diameter of <NUM> in a series, wherein the top, conductive non-magnetic strip <NUM>, provided on the top plate <NUM> on the side of the bottom plate <NUM>, is placed in parallel and along the eight top openings 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, <NUM>, <NUM>, comprising the top opening. Bridge <NUM> is absent in this sample holder according to the invention in this embodiment, wherein the other technical characteristics are analogous to the first embodiment of the invention.

In the fifth embodiment of the invention, a sample holder for measurements of optically detected magnetic resonance was prepared similarly to the first embodiment, with the difference that only one, parallel and located at the same distance to the two longer sides of the top plate <NUM>, rectangular top opening 3a with dimensions <NUM> x <NUM> x <NUM> is made in the top plate <NUM>. In this embodiment, the top, conductive non-magnetic strip <NUM> provided on the top plate <NUM>, on the side of the bottom plate <NUM>, surrounds the top opening 3a. In addition, bridge <NUM> is absent in the sample holder according to this embodiment, wherein the other technical characteristics are analogous to the first embodiment of the invention.

Maximum magnetic field is obtained in the middle of the sample thanks to this solution, which is of particular importance in the case of small samples.

In the sixth embodiment of the invention, a sample holder for measurements of optically detected magnetic resonance was prepared, which enables two parallel loops of the electrical circuits to be formed thanks to its design, thus additionally increasing the value of the magnetic component of the microwave on the sample surface. The holder according to this embodiment is similar to the holder according to the fifth embodiment of the invention, with the difference that the bottom, conductive non-magnetic strip <NUM> is separated into two parallel strip in the area of the central opening <NUM>, i.e. into the bottom, conductive non-magnetic strip 7a and the bottom, conductive non-magnetic strip 7b. In the non-separated part, the bottom, conductive non-magnetic strip <NUM> is connected, via the SMP microwave socket, through the socket opening (<NUM>), with the first pole of the microwave signal carrier, provided in the form of a microwave cable. The central, surrounding, conductive non-magnetic strip <NUM>, provided on the middle plate <NUM> on the side of the central opening <NUM>, transversely to the side of the middle plate <NUM>, is separated in this embodiment into two parallel strips, i.e. into the central, surrounding, conductive non-magnetic strip 8a and the central, surrounding, conductive non-magnetic strip 8b. In this embodiment, the middle plate <NUM> has dimensions of <NUM> x <NUM> x <NUM> and is made of FR-<NUM>, wherein the central opening <NUM> has rectangular shape, with dimensions of <NUM> x <NUM> x <NUM>. The bottom, conductive non-magnetic strip 7a forms electrical connection with the first end of the central, surrounding, conductive non-magnetic strip 8a, while the bottom, conductive non-magnetic strip 7b forms electrical connection with the first end of the central, surrounding, conductive non-magnetic strip 8b. In this embodiment, the top, conductive non-magnetic strip <NUM> is separated into two parallel strips, i.e. the top, conductive non-magnetic strip 9a and the top, conductive non-magnetic strip 9b. The dimensions of the top, conductive non-magnetic strip 9a are <NUM> x <NUM>, while the dimensions of the top, conductive non-magnetic strip 9b are <NUM> x <NUM>. In parallel, the top opening <NUM> with dimensions of <NUM> x <NUM> x <NUM> is provided between the top, non-magnetic trip 9a and the top, conductive non-magnetic strip 9b. The second end of the central, surrounding, conductive non-magnetic strip 8a forms electrical connection with the first end of the top, conductive non-magnetic strip 9a, and the second end of the central, surrounding, conductive non-magnetic strip 8b forms electrical connection with the first end of the top, conductive non-magnetic strip 9b. In this embodiment, the central, surface, conductive non-magnetic strip <NUM> is separated at its first end located at the central opening <NUM> into two parallel strips, i.e. the central, surface, conductive non-magnetic strip 10a and the central, surface, conductive non-magnetic strip 10b. The second end of the top, conductive non-magnetic strip 9a is connected with the first end of the central, surface, conductive non-magnetic strip 10a, while the second end of the first, conductive non-magnetic strip 9b is connected with the first end of the central, surface, conductive non-magnetic strip 10b. The second end of the central, surface, conductive non-magnetic strip 10a and the second end of the central, surface, conductive non-magnetic strip 10a connect and form the second end of the central, surface, conductive non-magnetic strip <NUM>, which is connected with the second pole of the microwave signal carrier via the SMP microwave socket.

This solution ensures increased homogeneity of the magnetic component of the microwave, as well as zero gradient of magnetic field along the axis between the conductive, conductive non-magnetic strips.

In the next, seventh embodiment of the invention, a sample holder for measurements of optically detected magnetic resonance, the design of which ensures formation of two spatially parallel loops of the electrical circuit, connected electrically in series. The holder includes the bottom plate <NUM>, the top plate <NUM> and the middle plate <NUM>, wherein the bottom plate <NUM> has dimensions <NUM> x <NUM> x <NUM>, the top plate <NUM> has dimensions <NUM> x <NUM> x <NUM>, while the middle plate has dimensions <NUM> x <NUM> x <NUM>. The middle plate <NUM> is provided with a rectangular, central opening <NUM>, with dimensions of <NUM> x <NUM> x <NUM>, while the top plate <NUM> is provided with the top opening 3a with dimensions of <NUM> x <NUM> x <NUM>. The bottom plate <NUM>, the top plate <NUM> and the middle plate <NUM> are made of FR-<NUM>.

The central, surface, conductive non-magnetic strip <NUM> with <NUM> width, <NUM> length and <NUM> thickness is provided on the surface of the middle plate <NUM> oriented towards the top plate <NUM>. The central, surface, conductive non-magnetic strip <NUM> is provided asymmetrically in relation to the width of the middle plate <NUM> and is located <NUM> away from one of the two longer edges of the middle plate <NUM> and <NUM> away from the other of the two longer edges of the middle plate <NUM>. Two parallel strips, i.e. the top, conductive non-magnetic strip 9a and the top, conductive non-magnetic strip 9b, between which the top opening 3a is provided, are provided on the surface of the top plate <NUM> oriented towards the bottom plate <NUM>. The central, surrounding, conductive non-magnetic strip <NUM>, provided on the middle plate <NUM> on the side of the central opening <NUM>, transversely to the side of the middle plate <NUM>, is separated in this embodiment into two parallel strips, i.e. into the central, surrounding, conductive non-magnetic strip 8a and the central, surrounding, conductive non-magnetic strip 8b. In addition, in order to form two circuit loops connected in series, a central, surrounding, conductive non-magnetic strip 8c is provided on the side of the central opening <NUM> opposite to the central, surrounding, conductive non-magnetic strip 8b, which is C-shaped and turned towards the central opening <NUM> on the surface of the middle plate <NUM> oriented towards the top plate <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the bottom, conductive non-magnetic strip <NUM> is separated into two parallel strips, i.e. the bottom, conductive non-magnetic strip 7a and the bottom, conductive non-magnetic strip 7b. The bottom, conductive non-magnetic strip 7a is bent at a <NUM>° angle towards the bottom, conductive non-magnetic strip 7b on the side of the SMP connector.

The middle, surface, conductive non-magnetic strip <NUM> is connected at its first end with the first pole of the microwave signal carrier, provided as a microwave cable, using the SMP microwave socket. The second end of the central, surface, conductive non-magnetic strip <NUM> provided at the edge of the central opening <NUM> is connected with the first end of the top, conductive non-magnetic strip 9a. The second end of the top, conductive non-magnetic strip 9a is connected with the first end of the central, surrounding, conductive non-magnetic strip 8a, while the second end of the central, surrounding, conductive non-magnetic strip 8a is connected with the first end of the bottom, conductive non-magnetic strip 7a. The second end of the bottom, conductive non-magnetic strip 7a is connected with the first end of the central, surrounding, conductive non-magnetic strip 8c. The second end of the central, surrounding, conductive non-magnetic strip 7c is connected with the first end of the top, conductive non-magnetic strip 9b, while the second end of the top, conductive non-magnetic strip 9b is connected with the first end of the central, surrounding, conductive non-magnetic strip 8b, and the second end of the central, surrounding, conductive non-magnetic strip 8b is connected with the first end of the bottom, conductive non-magnetic strip 7b. The second end of the bottom, conductive non-magnetic strip <NUM> is connected, via the SMP microwave socket, through the socket opening (<NUM>), with the second pole of the microwave signal carrier, provided in the form of a microwave cable.

Such solution enables higher value of the magnetic component of the microwave to be achieved under resonance conditions.

Claim 1:
A sample holder intended for measurements of optically detected magnetic resonance, including a bottom plate (<NUM>) and a top plate (<NUM>), characterised in that between the bottom plate (<NUM>), made of a dielectric material, and the top plate (<NUM>), made of dielectric material, in which at least one top opening (3a...<NUM>) is provided, a middle plate (<NUM>) made of a dielectric material is provided, in which a central opening (<NUM>) is provided, wherein at least one bottom, conductive non-magnetic strip (<NUM>) is provided on the surface of the bottom plate (<NUM>) oriented towards the top plate (<NUM>), which can be connected at its first end with the first pole of a microwave signal carrier, while at its second end it forms an electrical connection with the first end of at least one central, surrounding, conductive non-magnetic strip (<NUM>), and wherein said at least one central, surrounding, conductive non-magnetic strip (<NUM>) is provided on the middle plate (<NUM>) from a side of the central opening (<NUM>), transversely to a side of the middle plate (<NUM>), and wherein said at least one central, surrounding, conductive non-magnetic strip (<NUM>) is overlapping at its ends with both surfaces of the middle plate (<NUM>), while the second end of said at least one central, surrounding, conductive non-magnetic strip (<NUM>) forms an electrical connection with the first end of at least one top, conductive non-magnetic strip (<NUM>), which is provided on the surface of the top plate (<NUM>) oriented towards the bottom plate (<NUM>), and the second end of said at least one top, conductive non-magnetic strip (<NUM>) forms electrical connection with the first end of at least one central, surface, conductive non-magnetic strip (<NUM>), which is provided on the side of the middle plate (<NUM>) opposite to said at least one central, surrounding, conductive non-magnetic strip (<NUM>), on the surface oriented towards the top plate (<NUM>), and wherein the second end of said at least one, central, surface, conductive non-magnetic strip (<NUM>) can be connected with the other pole of the microwave signal carrier, wherein the bottom plate (<NUM>), the top plate (<NUM>) and the middle plate (<NUM>) are detachably connected.