0.9 T static magnetic field and temperature-controlled specimen environment for use with general-purpose optical microscopes

We describe the addition of a simple, low-cost 0.9 T fixed magnetic field to a commercially available, variable-temperature sample environment suitable for optical microscopy. The magnetic field is achieved with the use of Fe - Nd - B rare-earth permanent magnets and steel yoke assembly, packaged into a Linkam Scientific Instruments model THMS600 heating and cooling stage. We demonstrate its effectiveness with examples of magnetic ordering of a lipid/water system doped with paramagnetic Tm 3 + ions in the presence and absence of the applied magnetic field and at different temperatures.