The Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) Laboratory at ASU is dedicated to the study and characterization of paramagnetic species present in chemical compounds, peptides, proteins, enzymes and solid materials.
This facility has a Bruker ELEXSYS E580 spectrometer operating at X-band (9.4 GHz) and Q-band (34 GHz) frequencies. The spectrometer has capabilities for continuous wave (CW) and pulsed EPR experiments, and is equipped with several cryostats that use either liquid nitrogen or liquid helium as cryogens. In addition, electron-electron double resonance (ELDOR) experiments are available which are typically used to measure the distance between paramagnetic species.
The facility also offers time-resolved EPR capabilities. This setup uses a Continuum Surelite Laser (532 nm) and is designed to measure kinetics of photochemical reactions. Such application is particularly useful when working with photosynthetic molecules.
The EPR Laboratory has traditionally supported the faculty members associated with the Center of Bioenergy and Photosynthesis. Their research is mainly focused on the study of radicals, radical pairs, triplet states and transition metal complexes involved in bioenergetics and related model systems. However, we are willing to establish new collaborations with faculty associated with other centers or institutes at Arizona State University (e.g. The Biodesign Institute). EPR technology is now an important tool in biophysical research for medical applications.