COCoNuT | Linus Leo Stöckli

COCoNuT (Characteristic Observation of Cometary Nuclei using THz-spectroscopy) is an experimental setup consisting of a THz spectro-goniometer in a vacuum chamber along with a cryo-cooler intended for cooling down samples rich in ices expected in cometary environments. This setup allows use of THz time domain spectroscopy on analogues including refractory materials in the spectral range from 0.1 THz to 5.5 THz with a spectral resolution of up to 0.005 THz. Since the optical setup is mounted on a precision controlled $x$/$y$-stage, imaging or spatial averaging can be performed. In this work, we present the design decisions and selection of components. Furthermore, the commissioning of the setup is described and the capabilities are shown. The system can reach pressures of $10^{-7}$ mbar and temperatures of 50 K. For 2D scanning a spatial resolution of $0.3$ line-pair per mm is obtained.

Overview of COCoNuT.

The design and commissioning of this setup is documented in this publication (Stöckli et al., 2024).

The setup is controlled by the Electronics Unit (ELU).

Electronics Unit (ELU) that controls COCoNuT.

The antennas of the THz spectrometer are placed on a goniometer and $x$/$y$ stage.

Optics of COCoNuT.

The optical setup of COCoNuT. The goniometer is shown in transmission mode and the 2D stage is centered. The beam is indicated in red, going through the center of the sample holder, which is connected to the cryo-cooler.

References

2024

Design and Commissioning of a THz Time Domain Spectro-Goniometer in a Cryogenic Comet Simulation Chamber

Linus Leo Stöckli , Mathias Brändli , Daniele Piazza , and 4 more authors

Review of Scientific Instruments, 2024

submitted

Abs

We present our newly developed laboratory setup, called COCoNuT, consisting of a THz spectro-goniometer in a vacuum chamber along with a cryo-cooler intended for cooling down samples rich in ices expected in cometary environments. This setup allows use of THz time domain spectroscopy on analogues including refractory materials in the spectral range from 0.1 THz to 5.5 THz with a spectral resolution of up to 0.005 THz. Since the optical setup is mounted on a precision controlled x/y-stage, imaging or spatial averaging can be performed. In this work, we present the design decisions and selection of components. Furthermore, the commissioning of the setup is described and the capabilities are shown. The system can reach pressures of 10^-7 mbar and temperatures of 50 K. For 2D scanning a spatial resolution of 0.3 line-pair per mm is obtained.