DSC

In the Course of our work , sometimes we might need to identify unknown samples. One of the best way thus far in fulfilling this was the use of DSC, Differential scanning calorimetry.
Differential scanning calorimetry or DSC is a thermoanalytical technique in which the difference in the amount of heat required to increase the temperature of a sample and reference is measured as a function of temperature. Both the sample and reference are maintained at nearly the same temperature throughout the experiment. Generally, the temperature program for a DSC analysis is designed such that the sample holder temperature increases linearly as a function of time. The reference sample should have a well-defined heat capacity over the range of temperatures to be scanned.

Wikipedia provide a very in depth explaination regarding this subject: the link can be sort at the following:
DSC