A three-dimensional electron spin resonance microscope

An electron spin resonance (ESR) imaging system, capable of acquiring three-dimensional (3D) images with a resolution of similar to10 X 10 X 30 mum in a few minutes of acquisition, is presented. This ESR microscope employs a commercial continuous wave ESR spectrometer, working at 9.1 GHz, in conjunction with a miniature imaging probe (resonator+gradient coils), gradient current drivers, and control software. The system can acquire the image of a small (similar to1.5 X 1.5 X 0.25 mm) sample either by the modulated field gradient method, the projection reconstruction method, or by a combination of the two. A short discussion regarding the resolution of the modulated field gradient method in two-dimensional (2D) and 3D imaging is given. Detailed descriptions of the various system components are provided, along with several examples of 2D and 3D images that demonstrate the capabilities of the system. (C) 2004 American Institute of Physics.