How To Use CAESR
The ESR facilities housed in the Inorganic Chemistry building at Oxford provides research opportunities for Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Pathology, Chemical Biology, Physics, and Quantum computing as described below.
Use of the ESR facilities
The research facilities make use of an X-band (~10 GHz) CW EPR spectrometer and a CW/pulse X/W band (~10 GHz/~94 GHz) EPR spectrometer. There is a dedicated ESR Chemistry Laboratory for preparing EPR samples (e.g. preparing oxygen sensitive samples, etc.).
The usual procedure for using the facilities is as follows:
1) Initial spectra for characterisation purposes should be collected on the X-band continuous wave (CW) EPR spectrometer (Bruker EMX). A training session is provided by the EPR staff to demonstrate its operation (contact Dr Jeffrey Harmer for this training). You should first collect a basic X-band CW EPR spectrum of your sample, at the desired temperature(s), to check its structure and the sample integrity and quality (see guidance on Sample Preparation).
2) You may then carry out further high-resolution experiments on the X/W-band CW/pulse instruments (Elex680) to characterise the sample, provided the sample is of sufficient quality. High-resolution experiments include DEER, ESEEM techniques, ENDOR, 2D-field sweeps, etc.
Both instruments have an associated booking scheme. The X-band CW EPR spectrometer (EMX) is available for use at short notice most times, providing a rapid way to characterise samples. The W/X Elex680 spectrometer has more restricted access since the timetable is planned monthly (but consult the timetable to see if free time exists). A request to book instrument time outside of the monthly timetable meeting is made by sending an email to Dr Jeffrey Harmer with a complete sample submission form (among other things you need to label your sample, and this label name must also be on your EPR tube, state if you need cryogens, i.e. liquid helium or nitrogen, and the resonator).
The Measurement Timetables for both instruments can be viewed online (but you can not directly book time yourself, you must email your request).
3) Data from the spectrometers should be downloaded for local storage. We take all care but no responsibility for your data.
If you wish to be trained to use the Elex680 spectrometer (pulse instrument) and thus be able to execute pulse EPR experiments yourself, you should first discuss these requirements with your group supervisor. If they agree you should be trained, please email Dr. CR Timmel and Alice Bowen to explain your needs and make arrangements for training. You will be asked to undergo training even if you have hands-on experience from elsewhere, but this will be tailored accordingly.