Optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR)

Optically Detected Magnetic Resonance (ODMR) spectroscopy is based on electron spin-dependent photoluminescence phenomena, enabling the detection of paramagnetic species in optically active materials, such as organic and inorganic semiconductors. Compared to the more widely known Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) technique, ODMR offers significantly higher sensitivity, allowing for the study and characterization of ultra-thin films and samples available in extremely small quantities.
ODMR has applications across many fields of physics, chemistry, biology, and materials science, including the study of mechanisms that contribute to the inefficiency of solar cells and LEDs, as well as the investigation of defects in semiconductors.
This technique is particularly well-suited for the systematic study of new materials and nanostructures, crucial for the development of technologies in energy, photonics, and quantum technologies—areas of significant interest to research institutions and companies.

Our instruments

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Home-made ODMR instrumentation

The instrumentation enables the study and characterisation of ultra-thin films and samples available in extremely small quantities, whether liquid, powered or single crystal.
Technical specifications:
● laser sources: blue, red and green with high stability;
● fluorescence detection in the 350 – 1000 nm range in photodiode or photovoltaic mode;
● magnification objectives: 10x and 40x;
● programmable microwave frequency from 2 MHz to 6 GHz;
● variable magnetic field and permanent magnets up to 400 mT ;
● compact set-up, portable and suitable for measurements at room temperature;
Available configurations:
Measurements are performed in backscattering configuration, detecting the photoluminescence signal as a function of microwave frequency or magnetic field. In addition, conventional magnetic resonance measurements are possible for the preliminary characterisation of paramagnetic and ferromagnetic samples.
Applications:
● study of defects in organic and inorganic semiconductors;
● detecting triplet states in organic molecules.

 

Contact us

If you believe these techniques could be useful for characterizing, updating, or designing your materials, please feel free to contact us.