Micro-thermal analysis: scanning thermal microscopy and localised thermal analysis

Micro-thermal analysis combines the imaging capabilities of atomic force mi croscopy with the ability to characterise, with high spatial resolution, th e thermal behaviour of materials. The conventional AFM tip is replaced by a miniature heater/thermometer which enables a surface to be visualised acco rding to its response to the input of heat (in addition to measuring its to pography). Areas of interest may then be selected and localised thermal ana lysis (modulated temperature calorimetry and thermomechanical analysis) car ried out. Localised dynamic mechanical measurements are also possible. Spat ially resolved chemical analysis can be performed using the same basic appa ratus by means of pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry or high-re solution photothermal infrared spectrometry. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.