Changing shape of the ice mass. Observations by TVIS (through-vial impedance spectroscopy)

This illustration shows the features on the profile of the high frequency real part capacitance measured by through-vial impedance spectroscopy, during the sublimation of ice from a glass freeze-drying vial. It is divided into sections with start points labelled A to E which provide a mnemonic to assist in memorizing the various stages.
Point A (for “application) marks the point when the vacuum is applied

Point B (for ‘beginning’) is the onset of the steady state period and continues until point C. This period corresponds to the linear decrease of the ice cylinder height which maintains intimate contact with the glass wall, and without changing the shape of the ice interface.
Point C (for “curvature”) is the when the ice starts to preferentially dry down the sides of the glass wall. The perimeter of the ice interface changes from planar to a curved surface and ultimately resembles a dome. "C" also stands for the curvature of the capacitance-time profile, and implies the point when the linear decrease in capacitance changes to a more curved profile.
At Point D (for “dome”) there is no ice cylinder in contact with the glass wall and only an ice dome covers the base of the vial. "D" also stands for dip and implies the point at which the capacitance reaches its minimum value, after which is starts to increase again.
Point E (for “end”) is the end of ice sublimation, i.e., the point in time when the last trace of ice disappears.

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