Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a liquid sample for thermal analysis is disposed within a receptacle having a bottom surface and side walls. The top edges of the side walls are bent towards the center of the receptacle. A sheet of flexible, transparent material substantially impermeable to the sample is disposed across the top edges of the side walls, and an open lid compresses an o-ring onto the sheet material, sealing it against the bent top edges of the receptacle. The bottom surface of the receptacle is advantageously coated with a a material not wetted by the sample such as a fluorcarbon.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring thermomechanical properties of a photo-sensitive material sample during exposure of the sample material to a light source includes a sample holder having a sample support positionable in a sample holding area of the sample holder for holding the photo-sensitive material sample, a probe disposable relative to the sample support for measuring the thermomechanical properties of the photo-sensitive material sample, a temperature control unit having a cavity for receiving the sample holder and for maintaining the sample holder within a selectively-controlled temperature range, and an illuminating assembly operatively arranged for directing a light signal onto the sample holder for illuminating the photo-sensitive material held on the sample holder.