Consortium for the Acquisition of a W-band Electron Magnetic Resonance Spectrometer

Florida State University, Tallahassee FL

Investigators

Abstract

With this award from the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program, a consortium of universities consisting of Florida State University, Florida A&M University and the University of Florida will acquire an Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) Spectrometer. The new instrument will support the research of major users in the Chemistry, Oceanography and Geology Departments at the various institutions. Among the research programs in which EPR spectroscopy will play a vital role are: a) muscle biophysics; b) photosynthesis; c) metalloproteins; d) the structure and role in chemical reactions of reactive species such as radicals, radical-ion pairs, carbenes and nitrenes; e) use of EPR to study mineral dating and thermal stability; and f) spin distribution along the chains of low dimensional cuprate polymers. An electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrometer is an instrument used to obtain information about the molecular and electronic structure of molecules. It may also be used to obtain information about the lifetimes of free radicals which are often essential for the initiation of tumor growth and/or a variety of chemical reactions. These studies will have an impact in a number of areas, in particular biological chemistry, materials sciences and geology.