Electron spin resonance experiments at ultralow temperatures by means of a dilution refrigerator

Abstract

An electron spin resonance (ESR) apparatus with a high sensitivity vector network analyzer has been developed for use at ultralow temperatures. The microwave frequency can be varied between 45 and 110 GHz. The resonant cavity was installed in a He3–4He dilution refrigerator which provides ultralow temperatures down to 160 mK. In order to avoid the heating of the cavity and the sample by microwaves or heat leaks in the cryostat, attenuators and thermal anchors were placed at the most suitable positions. As the first experiment, the ESR was measured for a quantum spin chain Cu benzoate. The breather mode, which is a new ESR mode caused by a field induced gap, has been clearly observed at the lowest temperatures.