Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Studies in Irradiated Materials
Summary
Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) has become an indispensable tool for the characterisation of paramagnetic defects generated by ionising radiation in a broad range of materials. By monitoring unpaired electrons localised in irradiated matrices—from single crystals to polymers and pharmaceuticals—EPR offers insight into the identity, concentration and dynamics of free radicals and defect centres. Advances in instrumentation and pulse techniques have enhanced sensitivity and resolution, enabling detection of low-concentration species, measurement of spin–relaxation times and detailed mapping of local electronic environments. Applications span from radiation dosimetry and sterilisation protocols to the study of damage pathways in semiconductor, mineral and biological systems. The global significance lies in optimising material performance under extreme conditions, guiding safe sterilisation strategies in healthcare and informing the preservation of cultural heritage exposed to radiation. Current work increasingly integrates EPR data with computational modelling and complementary spectroscopies to establish a comprehensive framework for understanding and mitigating radiation-induced modifications.
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Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Studies in Irradiated Materials publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in electron paramagnetic resonance studies in irradiated materials across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR): A spectroscopic method that detects species with unpaired electrons, providing information on electronic environment and defect structure.
Paramagnetic centre: An atom or defect site in a material possessing one or more unpaired electrons that generates an EPR signal.
g-factor: A dimensionless parameter reflecting the magnetic moment and electronic environment of a paramagnetic centre, measurable by EPR.
Spin–lattice relaxation: The process by which an excited spin system returns to thermal equilibrium with its surrounding lattice, influencing signal linewidth and intensity.
Radiation-induced free radical: A reactive species formed when ionising radiation breaks chemical bonds, often stabilised in solids and detectable by EPR.
References
- Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Study of the Radiation Damage in Trans-Chalcone Single Crystal. Acta Physica Polonica A (2019).
- Radiolysis of Potassium Picrate in 77 K. IOP Conference Series Materials Science and Engineering (2016).
- Analytical study on irradiated methylxanthine derivatives. Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry (2012).
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