Combined microwave-optical pump-probe methods are emerging to study the
quantum state of spin qubit centers and the charge dynamics in semiconductors.
A major hindrance is the limited bandwidth of microwave irradiation/detection
circuitry which could be overcome with the use of broadband coplanar waveguides
(CPW). We present the development and performance characterization of two
spectrometers: an optically detected magnetic resonance spectrometer (ODMR) and
a microwave detected photoconductivity measurement. In the first method light
serves as detection and microwaves excite the investigated medium, while in the
second the roles are interchanged. The performance is demonstrated by measuring
ODMR maps on the nitrogen-vacancy center in diamond and time resolved
photoconductivity in p-doped silicon. The results demonstrate both an efficient
coupling of the microwave irradiation to the samples as well as an excellent
sensitivity for minute changes in sample conductivity.