MMR's System I Optical Microscopy Cold Stage was originally developed for use with a metallurgical microscope for the study of optical and mechanical properties of materials. Since then these micro miniature refrigerators have been used for many other applications in optical microscopy. The drawing illustrates MMR's refrigerator, Dewar and vacuum chamber that are designed especially for optical microscopy. 

In addition to the refrigerator and vacuum chamber, a temperature controller is needed, either manual or programmable; a source of dry nitrogen (99.998% purity); a filter dryer; and vacuum pump capable of maintaining a vacuum <5 mTorr in the chamber. Other accessories that add to the convenience of operating the system are available from MMR.