Membrane-based calorimetry for studies of sub-microgram samples.
- Materials Science Division
We have developed a membrane-based microcalorimeter for general measurements of heat capacity and latent heat using a combination of ac steady-state and relaxation methods. The differential calorimeter is designed for sub-microgram samples studied over a wide range of temperatures and magnetic fields. The device is based on free-standing silicon nitride membranes of 150 nm thickness onto which thin film heaters and temperature sensors are fabricated. While production-line fabrication may benefit from back-etching as a final step, it is often easier to start with pre-etched membranes in a research laboratory. With selected nano-fabrication methods this is possible. Due to a robust heater and very low thermal conductance of the final calorimeter, the sample can be heated to more than 100 K above base temperature. This enables instantaneous calibration, and makes the device capable of being used for ultra-fast temperature control, relaxation studies, and measurements that combine good absolute accuracy, high resolution, and information on latent heat.
- Research Organization:
- Argonne National Lab. (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Science (SC); Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation; Swiss Research Council
- DOE Contract Number:
- DE-AC02-06CH11357
- OSTI ID:
- 1011307
- Report Number(s):
- ANL/MSD/CP-69765; TRN: US201109%%280
- Journal Information:
- J. Phys.: Conf. Series, Vol. 150, Issue Jan. 2009; Conference: 25th International Conferebce on Low Temperature Physics (LT 25); Aug. 6, 2008 - Aug. 13, 2008; Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- ENGLISH
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