Patent ID: 7307730
Filing Date: 2007-12-11
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for measuring a temperature-dependent property of a sample comprising: a first holding fixture to contain said sample, said holding fixture adapted to be thermally coupled to said sample, said holding fixture defining a first temperature point and a second temperature point, a temperature control system adapted to bring a temperature of said first temperature point to and maintain it at a predetermined first temperature level, said temperature control system further adapted to bring independently and at the same time a temperature of said second temperature point to and maintain it at a predetermined second temperature level, whereby defining the difference between said first and said second temperature levels as a temperature gradient between said first temperature point and second temperature point of said holding fixture, and an interrogation system adapted to interrogate said sample at a point of measurement and obtain said temperature-dependent property, said point of measurement having a known geometrical position relative to said first temperature point and said second temperature point of said holding fixture, whereby the temperature of said sample at said point of measurement is defined by said temperature gradient and said known geometrical position of said point of measurement relative to said first temperature point and said second temperature point of said holding fixture.