Optical microscopy using polarized light, when equipped with a hot stage, is a valuable tool for measuring phase transitions and crystallization kinetics. The polarizing light microscope at Impact Analytical is equipped with a hot stage, 35 mm camera, and intervalometer. The system is capable of taking a time series of photographs while holding the sample at a constant temperature. Measurements of crystal size taken from the series of micrographs enable growth rates of polymer crystals to be studied.

The hot stage can also be used to increase or decrease the specimen temperature at selected rates. Visual observations of specimen transitions and the temperatures at which they occur may be recorded.