S-band electron spin resonance spectroscopy using a short-circuited coplanar waveguide resonator

In this work, we study the development of a coplanar waveguide (CPW) resonator and its use in an electron spin resonance (ESR) spectrometer. The CPW resonator is designed to operate in S-band (2-4 GHz), with a short circuit configuration leading to miniaturization. It is so constructed such that it has a characteristic impedance of 50 ohms. The resonator supports quasi-TEM mode of propagation owing to its uniplanar nature, demanding detailed electromagnetic simulation. The design parameters and the electromagnetic field distribution are obtained from the simulation. The resonator is fabricated using optical lithography with a rapid prototyping technique. The characteristic response of the resonator is measured by coupling it to a Vector Network Analyzer (VNA). The ESR absorption spectrum of free radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) is captured by using this resonator in reflection geometry. The microwave magnetic field distribution at the sample position is investigated. The ascertained value of Lande g-factor is consistent with that reported in the literature. Spin sensitivity of the order of 1015 spins/gauss is achieved upon using this resonator at room temperature. The quality factor of this resonator is found to be low and this makes it suitable for use in a Pulsed ESR spectrometer.