The UWM Chemistry Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) laboratory is located in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. The lab currently consists of a Magnettech MS5000 operating at X-Band (9.4 GHz) and a Bruker Elexsys operating at X- or Q- band (9.4 or 34 GHz) each with a workstation available for data processing and analysis. The MS5000 instrument is equipped with a Cold-Edge variable temperature cryostat and closed loop cooling system allowing data collection down to 4K. The Bruker spectrometer is capable of room temperature data collection with plans for upgrades in the near future!
What is EPR?
EPR, also called Electron Spin Resonance (ESR), is a spectroscopic technique that detects and studies molecules or atoms with unpaired electrons, like free radicals, transition metals, and defects, by measuring their magnetic properties in a magnetic field using microwave radiation. It’s a powerful, non-invasive tool for understanding chemical structures, dynamics, and environments in samples like biological tissues, polymers, and catalysts, providing unique “fingerprints” for these paramagnetic species. The technique is broadly used in research and industry to investigate and characterize samples from Food Science (detection of free radicals and antioxidant properties, especially in beer and wine!), to radiation monitoring in patients undergoing radiation treatment, to molecular level understanding of radicals and metals in biology.
Access, training, consultation, and/or assistance for on campus or outside users are available. Contact the Facility below for fees, procedures, or additional details.
Fee Schedule
Current fees can be viewed on our fee schedule page.