Rapid and precise determination of zero-field splittings by terahertz time-domain electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy

• DOI: 10.1039/c7sc00830a
• Publication Date: 2017-04-19T11:23:21Z
• Authors: Jian Lu; I. Ozge Ozel; Carina A. Belvin; Xian Li; Grigorii Skorupskii; Lei Sun; Benjamin K. Ofori...; Mircea Dincă; Nuh Gedik; Keith A. Nelson
• Keywords: Pulsed EPR; Magnetism

Zero-field splitting (ZFS) parameters are fundamentally tied to the geometries of metal ion complexes. Despite their critical importance for understanding magnetism and spectroscopy complexes, they not routinely available through general laboratory-based techniques, often inferred from data. Here we demonstrate a simple tabletop experimental approach that enables direct reliable determination ZFS in terahertz (THz) regime. We report time-domain measurements electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) signals associated with THz-frequency ZFSs molecular complexes containing high-spin transition-metal ions. measure temporal profiles free-induction decays spin resonances at zero nonzero external magnetic fields, derive EPR spectra via numerical Fourier transformation signals. In most cases, absolute values extracted measured zero-field frequencies, signs can be determined by two different temperatures. Field-dependent further allow refined access g-factor. The results show good agreement those obtained other methods. simplicity method portends wide applicability chemistry, biology material science.