Conversion of a Single-Frequency X-Band EPR Spectrometer into a Broadband Multi-Frequency 0.1–18 GHz Instrument for Analysis of Complex Molecular Spin Hamiltonians

Journal Article (2023)
Author(s)

Wilfred R. Hagen (TU Delft - BT/Biocatalysis)

Research Group
BT/Biocatalysis
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28135281
More Info
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Publication Year
2023
Language
English
Research Group
BT/Biocatalysis
Issue number
13
Volume number
28
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Abstract

A broadband EPR spectrometer is an instrument that can be tuned to many microwave frequencies over several octaves. Its purpose is the collection of multi-frequency data, whose global analysis affords interpretation of complex spectra by means of deconvolution of frequency-dependent and frequency-independent interaction terms. Such spectra are commonly encountered, for example, from transition-metal complexes and metalloproteins. In a series of previous papers, I have described the development of broadband EPR spectrometers around a vector network analyzer. The present study reports on my endeavor to start from an existing X-band spectrometer and to reversibly re-build it into a broadband machine, in a quest to drastically reduce design effort, building costs, and operational complexity, thus bringing broadband EPR within easy reach of a wide range of researchers.