Current high frequency electron spin resonance (HFESR) instruments suffer from the disadvantages of being limited to a single frequency and to tiny sample volumes. The study of spin dynamics at frequencies beyond a few hundred gigahertz is currently prohibitively difficult...
Current high frequency electron spin resonance (HFESR) instruments suffer from the disadvantages of being limited to a single frequency and to tiny sample volumes. The study of spin dynamics at frequencies beyond a few hundred gigahertz is currently prohibitively difficult. These limitations are now preventing progress in dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) and preclude the implementation of zero-field quantum computing. In order to revolutionize sensitivity in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by means of DNP techniques allowing to watch in real time molecular interactions or even to monitor how sophisticated systems (ribosomes) work, the HFESR methods have to be substantially improved. I will develop a novel and worldwide unique technique called broadband terahertz frequency rapid scan (FRaScan) ESR.
This project is important for society due to more efficient magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
The main objectives of the ERC Starting grant are as follows: 1.) to develop a THz Frequency Rapid Scan ESR Spectrometer, 2.) to investigate Spin Dynamics of Solid State Materials, Molecules on Surfaces and in the Bulk, and 3.) to perform THz Frequency Rapid Scan ESR on polarizing agents for DNP
The project THz-FRaScan-ESR (GA 714850) started successfully on 1st January 2018 at Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC) at Brno University of Technology. Because the Principal Investigator was employed at Universitaet Stuttgart (USTUTT) in Germany, a move to Brno, Czech Republic was necessary. It was also one of the reasons for moving the project start by one year (instead of 1st January 2017). But the main reason was timely purchase and tender of equipment to the project´s activities could start in time with the project start and construction adjustments of laboratories in the Host Institution were necessary.
We built new laboratories, THz spectroscopy and chemistry laboratory, where the project is ongoing. We were able to recruit PhD students and postdocs working on the project in the first year based on public open calls.
Currently there are no significant deviations from the original proposal. However, some components to successfully complete WP1.1 have not been yet delivered, which affect WP1.3. We are progressing in WP1.2 and WP2.1. On the other hand, we already start to work on WP2.2 where a paper was recently accepted for publication and some progress been archived in WP3.1 as well.
We are still in early stage of the project. There is no significat progress behinde the state of the art at the moment.
More info: http://spectroscopy.ceitec.cz/.