Modernization of an existing X-band EPR spectrometer

• Subject Area: Molecular Chemistry
• Term: Funded in 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 534394762

The currently existing instrument, consisting of an X-band EPR spectrometer with cryostat unit and high-temperature setup, has been operated at the Technische Universität Braunschweig for more than 25 years. The analog transputer interfaces have been listed as "out-of-service" by the manufacturer for some time, which means that in case of failure a simple 1-to-1 replacement or repair of the instrument, which is important for our research, is no longer possible. No other EPR spectrometer is operated at the Technische Universität Braunschweig. Therefore, in order to avoid a replacement-less or longer-term failure of the instrument important for our research, the notified project "Modernization of an existing X-band EPR spectrometer" shall (A) replace the currently still analog transputer interfaces including the microwave bridge by a digital upgrade. In addition, (B) the existing (T102 mode) resonator will be supplemented by a dual-mode (T102 and T012 mode) resonator for the investigation of forbidden transitions in transition metal and lanthanide compounds. A positive aspect here is that the envisaged dual-mode resonator has a higher sensitivity by a factor of approx. 1.5 compared to the existing resonator. Also of great importance is the replacement of (C) the cryostat unit and (D) the heat exchanger (for the existing 10'' magnet together with the 12 kW power supply), since these components no longer work reliably within their technical specifications after long operation. In order to limit costs, the existing 10'' magnet including 12 kW power supply can and should be integrated into the new setup and continued to be used. Modernization of the components of the existing high-temperature setup that are no longer functional with the digital upgrade (A) is not to be pursued in this application and will be implemented at a later date.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Modernisierung eines vorhandenen X-Band EPR-Spektrometers
• Instrumentation Group: 1770 Elektronenspinresonanz-Spektrometer (EPR, ESR)
• Applicant Institution: Technische Universität Braunschweig
• Leader: Professor Dr. Martin Bröring