Hot Stage Microscopy (non-GMP)

Introduction to Hot Stage Microscopy

Hot-stage microscopy (HSM), is the combination of microscopy and thermal analysis to enable the study of materials as a function of temperature and time. Besides obtaining information about particle size and particle morphology, the visual examination gives valuable information about the compound with regard to melting point and other transformations during heating. Hot Stage Microscopy gives an unique opportunity to visually follow thermal changes.

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1. Compound morphology
2. Solid-solid transformations
3. Interaction between different compounds
4. Dissolution of one compound in another
5. Sublimation and/or evaporation
6. Melting or liquefaction upon heating (solid-liquid transformations)
7. Solidification upon cooling (liquid-solid transformations)
8. Crystal growth and rate thereof

Hot stage microscopy is used in our polymorph screening: A initial heating of the compound is a very useful starting point, as it will instantly reveal new crystalline forms developing during heating and cooling of the compound.

Instrument and measuring principle

The instrument setup comprises of a heating stage (hot stage) with a sample holder coupled with a suitable polarized-light microscope and a system that allows measurements of video/pictures and temperature.