Microscope stage sample holder capable of temperature variation between 30 and 800 K

A novel vacuum sample holder is described for use with an optical microscope. The sample stage temperature can be made to vary from ∼ 30 to 800 K. Electrical feedthroughs together with an optical window provide convenient features for use in a wide variety of experiments. Data for optically induced transverse thermoelectric voltages of a Pd film as a function of temperature are presented.