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An Ultrafast Thin-Film Microcalorimeter with Monola Yer Sensitivity (J/m2)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 February 2011

S.L. Lai
Affiliation:
Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Coordinated Science Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801
P. Infante
Affiliation:
National Nanofabrication Facility, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
G. Ramanath
Affiliation:
Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Coordinated Science Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801
L.H. Allen
Affiliation:
Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Coordinated Science Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801
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Abstract

We introduce a high-sensitivity (∼1 J/m2) scanning microcalorimeter that can be used to perform direct calorimetric measurements on thin film samples at ultrafast heating rate (∼104 °C/s). This novel microcalorimeter is fabricated by utilizing SiN thin-film membrane technology, resulting in dramatically reduced thermal mass of the system. Calorimetric measurements are accomplished by applying a dc-current pulse to the thin-film metal (Ni) heater which also serves as a thermometer, and monitoring the real-time voltage and current of the heater. The temperature of the system and the energy delivered to the system are then determined. This calorimetric technique has been demonstrated by measuring the melting process of thin Sn films with thickness ranging from 13 to 1000 Å, and shows potential for calorimetric probing of irreversible reactions at interfaces and surfaces, as well as transformations in nanostructured materials.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1998

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References

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