Abstract: An analytical measurement system includes a sample holder, a temperature changing device for changing the temperature of a sample on the sample holder, and a measurement device for detecting a change in the sample such as a phase change. The sample holder can be a micro sample holder including a support member having an aperture, a membrane spanning the aperture, and a backing layer attached to a backside of the membrane. The temperature changing device can be a laser directed at the backside of the sample holder or an electrical resistive heater on the sample holder. The measurement device senses changes in the sample such as the film stress, viscosity, or surface reflectivity, by measuring changes in scattered light, reflected light, emitted light, or electrical resistance.

Abstract: An apparatus including a basis that has a plurality of wells associated therewith for defining a plurality of electrochemical cells; at least two electrodes sealingly disposed in each electrochemical cell; and circuitry for providing an electrical connection between an electrical source and each said cell. A particularly preferred apparatus employs at least one printed circuit board secured to the base. In a preferred method, candidate materials are introduced into the apparatus and their respective performances are analyzed.

Abstract: The present invention is generally relates to the field of research for the discovery of films with desirable properties, and to a process for making such films. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a system or an apparatus and a method for the rapid formation of a library of liquid samples and a library of thin films therefrom, as well as to the rapid screening of these films to identify those having desirable properties, all of which may be achieved using combinatorial techniques.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for forming a plurality of films on the surface of a substrate, at least two liquid samples are deposited by a deposition device onto the substrate surface. The substrate is moved so that the liquid samples on the substrate are subjected to a non-contact spreading force sufficient to cause the samples to spread over the surface to form a respective film thereon. At least a portion of each film is discrete from one or more other films formed on each substrate surface. In another embodiment, liquid samples of different compositions are deposited on an array of substrates. The liquid samples on at least two of the substrates are subjected to non-contact spreading forces during overlapping durations of time whereby the spreading forces are sufficient to cause the samples to spread over respective surfaces of the substrates to form films thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus including a basis that has a plurality of wells associated therewith for defining a plurality of electrochemical cells; at least two electrodes sealingly disposed in each electrochemical cell; and circuitry for providing an electrical connection between an electrical source and each said cell. A particularly preferred apparatus employs at least one printed circuit board secured to the base. In a preferred method, candidate materials are introduced into the apparatus and their respective performances are analyzed.