Comparison of the detection limits of microcalorimeters

Different calorimetric methods are compared with regard to the minimum detectable total heat effect that can be measured. This heat effect is shown to be dependent on: (a) the peak-to-peak uncertainty in the primary measurement which should be expressed in either degrees Kelvin or watts depending on whether the primary measurement is of temperature or power, (b) the time constant of the calorimeter system, and (c) the total energy equivalent of the reaction vessel and contents if the primary measurement is temperature.