Upgrade of a Cyber-Enabled Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) Spectrometer for Research and Education

University Of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI

Investigators

Abstract

With support from the Chemistry Research Instrumentation and Facilities - Multiuser Instrumentation (CRIF-MU) Program, the Department of Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin will upgrade a cyber-enabled electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrometer. Research projects to benefit from the EPR spectrometer include studies on 1) the interaction between high-valent metal centers and redox active units; 2) the biosynthesis and reactivity of adenosyl-cobalamin; 3) gas sensing metalloproteins; 4) silicon spin resonance for quantum information processing; 5) organic molecules that occur in interstellar space; and 6) low-coordinate and multiply-bonded compounds of silicon, germanium, and tin. An electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrometer yields information on the molecular and electronic structure of molecules. It may also be used to obtain information about the lifetimes of free radicals, short-lived species that are often essential for the initiation of tumor growth and/or a variety of chemical reactions. The EPR spectrometer will undergo a cyber-infrastructure upgrade to allow remote control by several academic institutions with significant populations of underrepresented minorities.