Abstract: There is provided a differential scanning calorimeter for exactly measuring a calorie variation of the measured sample on the basis of the temperature difference between sample container and the reference container without the influence of the heat irregularity incoming from the surroundings and the noise components.

Abstract: A calorimeter and a method of performing calorimetric analysis are disclosed. The calorimeter comprises a sample chamber having a gas inlet and a gas outlet, a flow duct interconnecting the gas inlet and the gas outlet to form a flow circuit with the sample chamber. A pump is disposed within the flow circuit operable to cause gas to flow into the gas inlet. There is a heater to heat gas flowing within the flow circuit. There is a respective sensor, operable to detect the temperature of one or more sample within the sample chamber For use, the flow circuit is sealed such that gas within it is retained for circulation by the pump, the gas being heated by the heater before passing into the sample chamber to transfer heat to sample therein. In the method, one or more sample is placed in the sample chamber. The pump and the heater are then operated, while the output of the sensor is monitored to record the change of temperature of the sample over time.

Abstract: A differential scanning calorimeter apparatus includes reference and sample cells and controlled temperature shields. The temperature of the shields is controlled such that baseline curvature is reduced by eliminating heat flow from the furnaces to their surroundings (quasi adiabatic conditions) and by controlling heat flow through a well defined solid state heat resistance between the furnaces and a temperature controlled heat sink. The temperature of each shield can be controlled independently to reduce differential heat flow over the whole temperature range of the scan, or maintained at a constant temperature for conventional power compensated DSC operation. The temperature/time profile for each shield can be controlled according to actual furnace temperature, obtained from an empty run, or stored in the computer memory and recalled for sample measurements.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a sensor is provided. The method includes disposing a sacrificial layer on a substrate, disposing a low-thermal-conductivity layer on the sacrificial layer, and disposing a first set of conductive arms and a second set of conductive arms on the low-thermal-conductivity layer to form a plurality of thermal junctions. The plurality of thermal junctions is adapted to form a plurality of hot junctions and a plurality of cold junctions when subjected to a difference in temperature. The method also includes removing the sacrificial layer and a portion of the low-thermal-conductivity layer to form a cavity therein. The cavity is configured to provide insulation for the plurality of hot junctions. A thermopile sensor is also provided, and a calorimetric gas sensor implementing the thermopile sensor is provided.

Abstract: A method and system for calculating a heat flow to a sample in a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The DSC has a sensor within an enclosure comprising an absolute temperature measurement detector for measuring the temperature of a base position on the sensor, a first differential temperature detector for measuring the temperature difference between a sample position and the base position, and a second differential temperature detector for measuring the temperature difference between a reference position and a sample position. Thermal resistances and heat capacities of the DSC are calibrated. The DSC is operated, and the heat flow to the sample is calculated using a method that accounts for the leakage heat flows.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for producing highly localized calorimetry data on a sample surface. The system is based on an SPM or other system with a probe and fine positioning capability. A heated probe is used to take a small sample (nano-sample) of a surface, and thereby make calorimetry measurements in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A differential scanning calorimeter has a heat sink for accommodating therein a measurement sample and a reference material, and a differential heat flow detector that detects a temperature difference between the sample and the reference material. A cooling mechanism cools the heat sink, and a thermoconductor is disposed between the cooling mechanism and the heat sink and forms a heat flow path between the two. A first heater heats the heat sink, and a second heater heats the thermoconductor to thereby heat the heat sink. The second heater begins operating before the first heater nears its rated maximum output power.

Abstract: In a thermoanalytical sensor with a substrate and a thermocouple arrangement that is formed at a measurement position on the substrate, an increase in sensitivity can be achieved by way of a special geometry of the thermocouple arrangement and/or the selection of the material for the substrate. In addition, a manufacturing method is proposed for the inventive sensor.

Abstract: A heating value meter for gases has an outer cylindrical mantle with an outer thermostatic heating apparatus and at least one inlet for introduction of air and at least one inlet for introduction of test or calibration gas. The outer mantle has an outer heating mantle and a bottom part containing an outer sensor of the outer thermostatic apparatus. A cylindrical measuring block is located coaxially inside the outer mantle and is equipped with an axially inserted internal sensor of an electrical remote thermometer of an internal thermostatic apparatus. The heating mantle, the outer sensor, an electrical heating block and an internal sensor, are interconnected via the outer and internal thermostatic apparatus and are adjusted for maintaining a constant temperature by regulation of the electrical input to the electrical heating block, or by the input to the heating mantle where, in addition, the measuring apparatus is connected by an electric lead to the electrical heating block.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring heat dissipation of a target heating element includes a reference heating element for emitting heat; a control unit; and a pair of temperature measuring devices for measuring representative temperatures of the target and the reference heating element and transmitting to the control unit signals indicating the representative temperatures. The reference heating element has an outer configuration and sizes substantially identical to those of the target heating element. The control unit controls the reference heating element such that the representative temperature of the reference heating element becomes substantially identical to that of the target heating element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring quantities of heat while simultaneously measuring the evaporation kinetics and/or condensation kinetics of the most minute amounts of liquid in order to determine thermodynamic parameters. The aim of the invention is to determine low thermal outputs, which are absorbed or released by the sample, as well as small differences between thermal outputs with regard to a reference measurement of the same magnitude. To this end, a most minute amount of liquid is located inside a measuring chamber having a constant temperature and air humidity. At least one thermal sensor is provided for repeatedly measuring the thermal radiation emitted from the most minute amount of liquid. A measuring means serves to determine the time-dependent change in the most minute amount of liquid. A computer is assigned to the measuring chamber in order to register, display, evaluate and/or subsequently process the measured values.

Abstract: An exemplary calorimeter includes a body configured to capture radiation generated by a source of the radiation, such as without limitation a laser, and absorb energy from the captured radiation. The calorimeter is simple to manufacture, operate, and maintain and is compact, highly accurate, able to withstand high power beams, and self-calibrating. NIST traceable electrical wires are used for the measurement. No fluids are used during measurements of the input radiation. A simple built in fluid or gaseous cooling system may be used post-measurement to reset the calorimeter temperature back to ambient for repeated measurement capability.

Abstract: A device for capturing radiation includes multi-axis, multiple chambers with two dimensional geometry. A first chamber has a first axis and is configured to receive a beam of radiation and absorb a portion of the beam of radiation. A second chamber has a second axis that is not collinear with the first axis. The second chamber is configured to receive at least a portion of the beam of radiation and absorb at least a portion of the beam of radiation. In one preferred embodiment, the second chamber terminates at a vertex. Additional chambers may be provided, as desired, with axes not collinear with either the first chamber, the second chamber, or any other chamber such that the plurality of chambers absorb substantially all of the radiation.

Abstract: Thermally analysis of layers and multiple layer structures used in the semiconductor processing arts is disclosed. A modulated calorimetric analysis may be used to determine a thermal signature that characterizes the chemical properties of a sample of material. The signature may include one or more thermal properties such as heat capacities. The signature may be used to compare and infer the suitability of a material for use in an integrated circuit manufacturing process. A thermal signature for a material that is not known to be suitable for manufacturing integrated circuits may be compared with a thermal signature for a standard material that is known to be suitable in order to determine whether the aforementioned material is suitable. Multiple layer structures may also be analyzed, compared, and inferred, and approaches for determining thermal signatures for any individual layer of the multiple layer structure are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for calculating a heat flow to a sample in a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The DSC has a sensor within an enclosure comprising an absolute temperature measurement detector for measuring the temperature of a base position on the sensor, a first differential temperature detector for measuring the temperature difference between a sample position and the base position, and a second differential temperature detector for measuring the temperature difference between a reference position and a sample position. Thermal resistances and heat capacities of the DSC are calibrated. The DSC is operated, and the heat flow to the sample is calculated using a method that accounts for the leakage heat flows.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for determining the absolute temperature of a substance, comprising the steps of: sensing the absolute temperature of the substance and generating an absolute value associated therewith; sensing a temperature difference between the temperature of a reference body and the temperature of the substance and generating a difference value associated therewith; determining an optimised value of the absolute temperature of the substance by means of said absolute value and said difference value. The invention also relates to an apparatus for performing the method; a temperature control system for controlling the temperature of a substance; and an instrument comprising a substance, and such a temperature control system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nano-calorimeter device operable for measuring and characterizing the thermodynamic and other physical properties of materials that are confined to essentially nano-scale dimensions. The nano-calorimeter device including a thin film membrane having a first surface and a second surface. The nano-calorimeter device also including a frame structure disposed adjacent to and in thermal contact with the first surface of the thin film membrane, the frame structure defining a plurality of hollow cells adjacent to and in thermal contact with the first surface of the thin film membrane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a calorimeter comprising a reactor (1) that is fitted in an intermediate thermostat (2). Said intermediate thermostat (2) cooperates with an external thermostat (3) and comprises a metal block (4) as the heat transfer medium. The inventive calorimeter can be produced at lower costs than those comprising a double-walled reaction vessel and allows especially IR probe analysis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for thermally investigating a material by driving the material through a temperature profile composed of isothermal and non-isothermal segments is disclosed, which enable determination of a kinetic component in a measured heat flow signal caused by the exposure of the material to the temperature profile.

Abstract: A calorimeter that includes a sample cell, a reference cell, a pressure system that applies a variable pressure to the sample cell, and a pressure controller that controls the pressure applied by the pressure system to the sample cell. By applying identical pressure perturbations to both the sample and reference cells over a range of temperatures, the calorimeter can be used to accurately calculate both the thermal coefficient of expansion of various substances, and the volume change of molecules undergoing a structural transition.

Abstract: A method and system for calculating a heat flow to a sample in a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The DSC has a sensor within an enclosure comprising an absolute temperature measurement detector for measuring the temperature of a base position on the sensor, a first differential temperature detector for measuring the temperature difference between a sample position and the base position, and a second differential temperature detector for measuring the temperature difference between a reference position and a sample position. Thermal resistances and heat capacities of the DSC are calibrated. The DSC is operated, and the heat flow to the sample is calculated using a method that accounts for the leakage heat flows.

Abstract: It is an object to obtain a calorimeter characterized by excellent mechanical strength, and a manufacturing method thereof, when a plurality of calorimeters are arranged inside a single substrate. The calorimeter has an absorbent for converting energy of radioactive rays into heat and a resistor for converting heat into an electrical signal using superconductive transition are arranged on a membrane for determining thermal conductivity with the membrane being attached to a substrate, the substrate having a tri-layer structure comprising an etching layer, an etching stop layer and a support substrate, the membrane being arranged separated by the thickness of the etching stop layer and the etching layer.

Abstract: A method of recording data relating to the posture of a subject and assessing the data so as to categorize said data into activities, including sitting, walking and standing. The method comprises sensing the movement of the thigh by use of a single sensor; recording the movement of the thigh; and processing the data so as to classify the data into discrete ones of said activities.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide a calorimeter for converting a quite small amount of heat into an electrical signal, especially a radiation detector providing improved energy resolution and count rate, by using a superconducting transition edge. The calorimeter has an absorber for absorbing radiation and producing heat. This absorber is formed on a resistor whose resistance value is varied by the heat. The resistor is formed on a membrane that controls escape of the heat. The calorimeter is characterized in that it is further fitted with a heat dissipation device for letting active electrons produced in the calorimeter escape to the outside.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for determining the absolute temperature of a substance, comprising the steps of: sensing the absolute temperature of the substance and generating an absolute value associated therewith; sensing a temperature difference between the temperature of a reference body and the temperature of the substance and generating a difference value associated therewith; determining an optimised value of the absolute temperature of the substance by means of said absolute value and said difference value. The invention also relates to an apparatus for performing the method; a temperature control system for controlling the temperature of a substance; and an instrument comprising a substance, and such a temperature control system.

Abstract: A thermal method for studying chemical responses, such as catalyzed polymerization reactions that includes the following three steps. The first step is to flow a chemical substance through a conduit, the conduit being in thermal communication with an electrical conductor, the electrical conductor being co-linear with the conduit, the electrical resistance of the electrical conductor being a function of the temperature of the electrical conductor. A length of stainless steel tubing can be used as both the conduit and the conductor. The second step is to flow electricity through the electrical conductor during the first step. The third step is to measure the electrical resistance of the electrical conductor during the second step to determine any change in the temperature of the conduit caused by a response of the chemical substance.

Abstract: It is an object to obtain a calorimeter characterized by excellent mechanical strength, and a manufacturing method thereof, when a plurality of calorimeters are arranged inside a single substrate. The calorimeter has an absorbent for converting energy of radioactive rays into heat and a resistor for converting heat into an electrical signal using superconductive transition are arranged on a membrane for determining thermal conductivity with the membrane being attached to a substrate, the substrate having a tri-layer structure comprising an etching layer, an etching stop layer and a support substrate, the membrane being arranged separated by the thickness of the etching stop layer and the etching layer.

Abstract: The invention features methods and systems for detecting the presence of an energetic material in a sample in which the presence of the energetic material is unknown. The method includes the steps of: heating the sample; measuring heat flow between the sample and its surrounding environment, e.g., by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC); and analyzing the measured heat flow between the sample and its surrounding environment. An exothermal peak in the measured heat flow indicates the presence of the energetic material in the sample. The system includes a thermal measuring apparatus for performing the heating and measuring steps, and an analyzer for detecting the presence of the energetic material based on the measured heat flow. The invention also features methods and systems for identifying contraband materials (e.g., explosives and drugs) by measuring the thermogram (e.g., by DSC) of a sample to be identified and comparing it to reference thermograms for known contraband materials.

Abstract: A clinical tester has been described that includes a probe to aspirate a fluid. The probe is washed between aspirations to reduce carryover. The wash operation includes both an internal and an external wash, where the internal wash operation is terminated prior to terminating the external wash. In one embodiment, the probe wash can be implemented on an integrated clinical chemistry/immunoassay tester.

Abstract: A colorimeter has an absorber for absorbing radiation energy and converting the radiation energy into thermal energy. A resistor is connected to the absorber for converting thermal energy into an electrical signal. A membrane is connected to the resistor for controlling a thermal discharge from the resistor. A substrate is connected to the membrane and has a tri-layer structure comprised of an etching layer having a preselected thickness, an etching stop layer and a support substrate. The membrane is spaced-apart from a main surface of the etching stop layer by the preselected thickness of the etching layer.

Abstract: A method for calibrating thermal resistance and thermal capacitance parameters characterizing a DSC cell, and then calculating the heat flow to the sample based upon the results of the calibration. The method is applied in a conventional heat flux calorimeter, to obtain thermal analysis data having improved baseline and resolution. A first embodiment is based upon a model of a calorimeter in which there is no cross-talk between the sample and reference sides of a DSC cell. The thermal resistance and thermal capacitance parameters are calculated by carrying out a sequential series of calibration measurements with an empty DSC cell, materials on the reference side and materials on both the sample and reference sides. Another embodiment takes the existence of cross-talk between the sample and reference sides of the calorimeter into account.

Abstract: A monitoring module for monitoring the safe operation of heat generators is proposed, which is also usable if a predominantly flameless or even completely flameless oxidation occurs in the heat generator.

Abstract: A nanocalorimeter array for detecting chemical reactions includes at least one thermal isolation region residing on a substrate. Each thermal isolation region includes at least one thermal equilibration region, within which resides a thermal measurement device connected to detection electronics.

Abstract: A cooling system for thermal analysis equipment provides rapid cool down and steady state operation of a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) at any predetermined temperature between a minimal temperature and room temperature using a throttle-cycle cooler based on a single stage compressor. The cooling system operates with a mixed refrigerant that includes some liquid fraction at the inlet to a cryostat that houses the key cold elements for the cooling system. A temperature actuated automatic throttle valve in the cooling system increases refrigerant mass flow rate when the differential scanning calorimeter increases the heat load (and vice-versa) that is generally provided by a heater. At the same time, the valve design provides a high mass flow during cool down and automatic flow rate reduction at an intermediate temperature as the overall system approaches an operating condition during cool down.

Abstract: A water bath accommodating a calorimetric bomb (2) for measuring the combustion heat of substances with the aid of a calorimeter. The inner tank (3) is enclosed by an outer container (5) forming a water jacket and is shielded from the environment. If several measurements are conducted subsequently, the water found in the inner tank (3) and heated above its initial value through the combustion process taking place in connection with a previous measurement can be at least partially transferred into the outer container (5) with a second or other succeeding measurement prior to conducting it so that at least a part of the combustion heat of the preceding measurement can be used for heating up at least the water jacket in the outer container (5) in connection with the next measurement. Consequently, energy for tempering the water in the water jacket and/or in the water bath can be saved.

Abstract: A method and system for calculating a heat flow to a sample in a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The DSC has a sensor within an enclosure comprising an absolute temperature measurement detector for measuring the temperature of a base position on the sensor, a first differential temperature detector for measuring the temperature difference between a sample position and the base position, and a second differential temperature detector for measuring the temperature difference between a reference position and a sample position. Thermal resistances and heat capacities of the DSC are calibrated. The DSC is operated, and the heat flow to the sample is calculated using a method that accounts for the leakage heat flows.

Abstract: Provided are a temperature control method and apparatus for driving a polymerize chain reaction (PCR) chip. In the temperature control apparatus, which is for a polymerize chain reaction chip, PCR chips receive electric power from the outside and generating heat to maintain a predetermined temperature and for outputting actual temperature information to the outside. electric power supply units supply electric power to the PCR chips according to input control signals, and a controller generates the control signals based on control information including pre-established control temperature and control time information and the actual temperature information supplied from the PCR chips in order to supply the control signals to the electric power supply units. In the present invention, it is possible to examine various kinds of DNA at the same time because the temperature control apparatus controls the temperatures of DNA samples at the same time.

Abstract: An automatic humidity step control thermal analysis apparatus has a detector for detecting and measuring a physical property of a sample and for generating a physical property signal corresponding to the physical property of the sample. The sample is housed in a sample chamber which is capable of controlling the temperature and humidity of the sample. A water chamber generates water vapor at a preselected temperature and is capable of controlling the temperature of water in the water chamber in a stepwise manner. A heat insulating pipe directs water vapor from the water chamber to the sample chamber and includes a heater for preventing dew condensation. A signal stability determination circuit receives a physical property signal from the detector and generates a trigger signal when a rate of change of the physical property signal drops below a preselected reference value.

Abstract: A system and method for obtaining the contact thermal resistance for a sample and pan without a priori knowledge of the properties of either sample, by measuring the reversing heat capacity of a sample and its pan (or an empty pan on the reference side of the DSC) at a long period and a short period during a quasi-isothermal MDSC experiment and then finding the value of contact thermal resistance that makes the short and long period heat capacities match. Several different methods may be used to find the contact thermal resistance using quasi-isothermal MDSC with a long and a short period. Two methods are direct calculation methods that use the results from an MDSC experiment used with model equations to calculate the contact thermal resistance. A third method is another direct calculation method, based upon the phase angle between the heat flow and temperature signals. A fourth and fifth method use curve fitting of the apparent heat capacity for multiple values of pan contact thermal resistance.

Abstract: A wafer temperature detection device for an ion implanter including a dummy and a temperature detector. The dummy is disposed on a rotating disk where wafers are disposed to have ions implanted in the ion implanter and is made of a substantially identical material as that of the wafers. The temperature detector is provided on the dummy.

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: A calorimeter for use in assaying radioactive sources. The calorimeter includes a constant temperature shield and a series of temperature matched shields in which temperature control is provided by electrical resistance, thereby eliminating the need for a water jacket, while providing improved temperature and heat flow control. A labyrinth plug which eliminates air exchange between the sample well and the outside is used to seal the calorimeter. A computer control system monitors the calorimeter to reduce errors introduced by system fluctuations.

Abstract: A modulated differential scanning calorimeter (MDSC) and a method for practicing MDSC that uses two separate temperature difference signals—the difference between the temperatures of the sample and reference positions and the difference between the temperatures of the sample position and a base position. This approach accounts for heat flows associated with the sample and reference pans, and for the difference in sample and pan heating rates to provide more accurate heat flow measurement and improve resolution. It also greatly reduces or eliminates the frequency dependence of the heat capacity calibration factor, which allows for the use of shorter modulation periods. Shorter modulation periods allow the use of higher underlying heating rates, allowing users to decrease the duration of their MDSC experiments.

Abstract: A modulated differential scanning calorimeter (MDSC) and a method for practicing MDSC that uses two separate temperature difference signals—the difference between the temperatures of the sample and reference positions and the difference between the temperatures of the sample position and a base position. This approach accounts for heat flows associated with the sample and reference pans, and for the difference in sample and pan heating rates to provide more accurate heat flow measurement and improve resolution. It also greatly reduces or eliminates the frequency dependence of the heat capacity calibration factor, which allows for the use of shorter modulation periods. Shorter rho modulation periods allow the use of higher underlying heating rates, allowing users to decrease the duration of their MDSC experiments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a calorimeter comprising a reactor (1) that is fitted in an intermediate thermostat (2). Said intermediate thermostat (2) cooperates with an external thermostat (3) and comprises a metal block (4) as the heat transfer medium. The inventive calorimeter can be produced at lower costs than those comprising a double-walled reaction vessel and allows especially IR probe analysis.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for testing flammability properties of cellular plastics are described. Heat is applied to the underside of a heat-conductive plate on which is placed a specimen of the cellular plastic. A plurality of spaced-apart heat sensing devices are positioned below the specimen and in direct or close contact with the plate, one such heat sensing device being centrally positioned relative to the plate and serving as the setpoint sensor. A plurality of spaced-apart heat sensing devices are also disposed above the specimen and in direct or close contact with the top surface of the specimen, one such heat sensing device being centrally positioned relative to the top of the specimen. The sensing devices are adapted to provide signals convertible into information regarding the temperatures at their respective locations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining caloric expenditure of a subject. The apparatus includes a heat flow sensor having an overlay and/or conductive layer for measuring the evaporative heat loss, in addition to substantially total heat loss, for the subject. The sensor also includes a structure to enhance the migration of perspiration from edges or a bottom of the sensor onto an active region of the sensor. One sensor includes electrodes to effectuate electroendosmosis such that positively biased electrodes are formed at an edge or bottom of the sensor and a negatively biased electrode is formed at a center or top of the sensor. Through electroendosmosis the perspiration is migrated from the positively biased electrodes at the edge or bottom of the sensor to the negatively biased electrode in the center or top of the sensor. Another sensor places thermocouples at edges of a sensing portion to reduce a distance that the perspiration has to migrate.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide a calorimeter for converting a quite small amount of heat into an electrical signal, especially a radiation detector providing improved energy resolution and count rate, by using a superconducting transition edge. The calorimeter has an absorber for absorbing radiation and producing heat. This absorber is formed on a resistor whose resistance value is varied by the heat. The resistor is formed on a membrane that controls escape of the heat. The calorimeter is characterized in that it is further fitted with a heat dissipation device for letting active electrons produced in the calorimeter escape to the outside.

Abstract: New sensors and methods for qualitative and quantitative analysis of multiple gaseous substances simultaneously with both high selectivity and high sensitivity are provided. The new sensors rely on a characteristic difference in energy between the interaction of a particular substance with a catalyst coated heat transfer device (HTD) and a non-catalyst coated (or one coated with a different catalyst) reference HTD. Molecular detection is achieved by an exothermic or endothermic chemical or physical reaction between the catalytic surface of the sensor and the molecule, tending to induce a temperature change of the sensor. Both high temperature and non-destructive low temperature detection are possible. The magnitude and rate of endothermic or exothermic heat transfer from a specific molecule-catalyst interaction is related to molecular concentration.

Abstract: An improved differential thermal analysis/differential scanning calorimetry (collectively, DSC) assembly with a furnace block assembly having a measurement chamber and a furnace heater. The measurement chamber has a sensor assembly for receiving a sample material and a reference material. The furnace block assembly is coupled to a generally cylindrical cooling flange through a distributed thermal resistor that allows a constrained heat flow between the furnace assembly and cooling flange. The thermal resistor can also withstand the mechanical stresses associated with the differential expansion and contraction of the furnace assembly and cooling flange without permanent deformation of the thermal resistor. The cooling flange can be coupled to various cooling devices, permitting operation of the overall DSC instrument in a variety of temperature regimes for a variety of applications.