Improvement of the Q-band Modulation Coils

The modulation field can greatly improve the sensitivity of an EPR spectrometer. Work carried out in this laboratory during the summer of 2005 led to the improvement in performance of the modulation coils of a unique Q-band EPR spectrometer operating in the Chemistry Department at Carnegie Mellon University.

Our new design of the modulation coils employs a series of Cu fins that are embedded within the turns of the coils and transfer heat away from the coils. Removing the excess heat from the coils allows us to send more power to the coils (up to 300-400 Watts) and increase the modulation field at the sample by a factor of 30.

Mike Spilatro working on the improvement of the modulation coils (summer 2005)