Electron Spin Resonance Centers Research Articles

IRSL properties of HfO2 obtained by the precipitation method and its correlation to ESR centres

Infrared-stimulated luminescence (IRSL) emission and its characterisation are reported for the first time for HfO2 synthesised by the precipitation method and its electron spin resonance (ESR) centres properties are shown in this study. IRSL spectrum has a broad emission band in the blue region, which is centred at about 2.49 eV. A similar emission was observed for the radiofluorescence (RF) with a band centred at 2.52 eV. RF signal intensity decreases with the readout temperature, which might indicate a thermal quenching process.IRSL signal is strongly affected by the readout temperature, as part of its emission is related to the presence of shallow traps (<100 °C). The IRSL shine-down curve is composed of two components with decay times of 15.7 and 800 s, and photoionisation cross-section values of about 1.20 × 10−19 and 2.35 × 10−21 cm2, respectively, based on IRSL carried out at 100 °C after 2 Gy of beta irradiation dose, using a general-order kinetic model. Dosimetric analyses indicated that there is a reproducible signal in IRSL, with a coefficient of variation lower than 9 % for repeatability and 3 % for reproducibility measurements. The dose-response curve has a linear trend in the dose range of 0.3–2.0 Gy. Regarding the photon energy study, it shows an overresponse for photo energy values below 200 keV. Fading of about 40 % after one day of storage was observed.Bleaching measurements indicated that the TL peaks located between 100 and 250 °C share the same trap levels as the IRSL ones. In addition, a possible charge transference is observed from the peak at 330 °C to lower temperature peaks. ESR analyses identified that oxygen vacancies of V+ type in a four-coordinated arrangement are induced by irradiation and are temperature-sensitive. Based on the bleaching and ESR measurements, it is reasonable to infer that V+ type vacancies are likely responsible for the IRSL, and its blue emission.

Investigations on single and multi-grain optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) sensitivity and electron spin resonance (ESR) signals in quartz derived from sandstones: Insights on provenance of quartz in ancient depositional systems

Trapped charge techniques of luminescence and electron spin resonance (ESR) are classic tools for dating Quaternary deposits. Over the past decade, these techniques have been routinely applied to investigate provenance and/or the sedimentary history of quartz grains based on their different luminescence and ESR characteristics. Of these, optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) sensitivity is one of the most widely investigated parameter for luminescence-based provenance approach. A majority of studies on this parameter are based on evaluation of multi-grain quartz OSL sensitivity of the samples. This is particularly concerning because single-grain quartz luminescence studies have shown that the luminescence signal of a multi-grain aliquot is contributed by less than ∼1–10% of the total grains. Since the sole criteria for discrimination of sources based on luminescence sensitivity relies on its intensity, therefore the results based on multi-grain analysis will most likely be skewed depending on the ‘proportion’ and ‘brightness’ of a few grains. This demands a need to evaluate the potential of single-grain quartz OSL sensitivity in provenance studies. In this study, we investigate single and multi-grain quartz OSL sensitivity from compositionally different sandstones with well-characterised sources based on U–Pb zircon ages. We further complement this analysis with characterisation of ESR centres commonly used in quartz provenance, namely E′1 and [AlO4]0 centres. Our study shows that single-grain quartz OSL sensitivity can help distinguish between sediments that have a predominant input from a single source as compared to those with contribution from multiple sources, which otherwise cannot be inferred from multi-grain studies. Moreover, our results on characterisation of quartz-based ESR intensity of E′1 and saturated [AlO4]0 centres successfully differentiates between sandstones and further complements the luminescence-based characterisation.

TL, OSL, EPR, and defect centers in Tb-doped strontium silicate phosphor synthesized by a solid-state reaction method

Strong thermoluminescence (TL) was observed in Tb-doped strontium silicate phosphor prepared by the solid-state reaction method. Two glow peaks are observed at 100 and 190 °C. TL emission spectra indicate three recombination centers. The number of peaks and the kinetic parameters associated with the TL glow peaks of Tb-doped Sr2SiO4 phosphor after gamma irradiation were analyzed by Tm-Tstop and deconvolution methods. A study of defect centers induced by γ-irradiation and identification of defect centers responsible for the observed TL glow peaks has been carried out using the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) technique. The observed spectrum at room temperature is a superposition of at least three defect centers. Center I is characterized by an axially symmetric g-tensor with principal values g|| = 2.019, and g⊥ = 2.0013 and is ascribed to a O2− ion. Center II has a rhombic g-tensor with principal values 2.0072, 2.0024, and 1.995 and is assigned to an F+ center (singly ionized oxygen vacancy) and correlates with the 190 °C TL peak. The third center (center III) has an isotropic g-value of 1.991 and is identified as an F+ center.

Resonant Mixing Dynamic Nuclear Polarization.

We propose a mechanism for dynamic nuclear polarization that is different from the well-known Overhauser effect, solid effect, cross effect, and thermal mixing processes. We term it Resonant Mixing (RM), and we show that it arises from the evolution of the density matrix for a simple electron-nucleus coupled spin pair subject to weak microwave irradiation, the same interactions as the solid effect. However, the SE is optimal when the microwave field is off-resonance, whereas RM is optimal when the microwave field is on-resonance and involves the mixing of states by the microwave field together with the electron-nuclear coupling. Finally, we argue that this mechanism is responsible for the observed dispersive-shaped DNP field profile for trityl samples near the electron paramagnetic resonance center.

Residual electron spin resonance signals of quartz from the 2018 Baige dammed lake in Tibet: Implications for the identification of sediment layers caused by megafloods

Residual doses may cause overestimation of electron spin resonance (ESR) ages for fluvial sediments. However, ESR residual doses in outburst megaflood sediments have rarely been evaluated. The Jinsha River, situated in the southeastern Tibetan Plateau, is characterized by active faults, narrowed canyons, and dammed lakes. Consequently, the river is a rare opportunity for a reconstruction study of outburst flood events from a paleo-dammed lake. After the destruction of the Baige dammed lake in the upper Jinsha River in 2018, outburst megafloods formed a thick diluvium that was deposited in broad valley land along the lower Jinsha River. Based on detailed field investigation and laboratory studies, preliminary hydraulics estimates and residual quartz ESR signals indicate the following. 1) Among the multiple quartz ESR centers, the Al, E1ʹ, Ti-H, and Ti-Li centers could be measured. The Ti-H center had the lowest residual dose and would provide relatively accurate ages for outburst megaflood sediment. 2) The Ti-Li and Al centers commonly used for ESR dating provide overestimates of 283 ± 42 ka ∼ 462 ± 63 ka and 1,010 ± 88 ka ∼ 1,400 ± 219 ka, respectively, for present outburst megaflood sediment. 3) The diverse ages given by the same ESR signal may be caused by various precursors of megaflood sediments, which are mainly sourced from landslide dams and from various terraces and slope sediments along the river. Results demonstrated that the apparent ESR ages observed for the outburst megaflood sediment in the southeastern Tibetan Plateau may be counterfeit, providing an age much older than its real age. This could be interpreted to mean that the narrowed lower channel makes the upper reaches of the broad valley appear lake-like, with diluvium deposits having large non-negligible residual ESR signals without enough exposure to adequate sunlight, despite having good stratification and sorting characteristics similar to those of fluvio-lacustrine sediments. Thus, abrupt reversal in quartz ESR ages in multiple centers observed in the geochronological framework of the fluvial sedimentary profile may indicate a diluvial or flood layer in the absence of other inducements.

Calculated electron paramagnetic resonance g tensor and hyperfine parameters for zinc vacancy and N related defects in ZnO

Various defects in ZnO, focused on substitutional N$_O$ and N$_2$ in various sites, O-site, interstitial and Zn-site are studied using first-principles calculations with the goal of understanding the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) center reported for N$_2$ in ZnO and substitutional N on the O-site. The $g$ tensors are calculated using the gauge including projector augmented wave (GIPAW) method and compared with experiments. The $g$-tensor of the free N$_2^+$ and N$_2^-$ radicals and their various contributions within the GIPAW theory are analyzed first to provide a baseline reference for the accuracy of the method and for understanding the N$_2$ behavior in ZnO. Previous controversies on the site location of N$_2$ in ZnO for this EPR center and on the shallow or deep nature and donor or acceptor nature of this center are resolved. We find that the N$_2$ on the Zn site is mostly zinc-vacancy like in its spin density and $g$-tensor, while for the O-site, a model with the N$_2$ axis lying in-the basal plane and the singly occupied $\pi_g$-orbital along the {\bf c} axis provides good agreement with experiment. For the interstitial location, if the N$_2$ is not strongly interacting with the surroundings, no levels in the gap are found and hence also no possible EPR center. The calculated $g$-tensors for N$_O$ and $V_ Zn$ are also found to be in good agreement with experiment. The effects of different functionals affecting the localization of the spin density are shown to affect the $g$-tensor values.

Identification of an Oxygen Defect in Hexagonal Boron Nitride

Paramagnetic fluorescent defects in two-dimensional hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) are promising building blocks for quantum information processing. Although numerous defect-related single-photon sources and a few quantum bits have been found, except for the boron vacancy, their identification is still elusive. Here, we demonstrate that the comparison of experimental and first-principles simulated electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra is a powerful tool for defect identification in hBN, and first-principles modeling is inevitable in this process as a result of the dense nuclear spin environment of hBN. In particular, a recently observed EPR center is associated with the negatively charged oxygen vacancy complex by means of the many-body perturbation theory method on top of hybrid density functional calculations. To our surprise, the negatively charged oxygen vacancy complex produces a coherent emission around 2 eV with a well-reproducing previously recorded photoluminescence spectrum of some quantum emitters, according to our calculations.

The relationship between irradiation sensitivity of quartz Al and Ti centers and baking temperature by volcanic lava flow: Example of Datong volcanic group, China

The investigation of irradiation sensitivity of electron spin resonance (ESR) centers is a significant part of the study of ESR signal characteristics and helps to gain insight into the physical mechanisms of paramagnetic centers. In this study, we have observed and compared the irradiation sensitivity characteristics of ESR centers under high-temperature baking in natural conditions by lava flow. Results show that the irradiation sensitivity of the Al and Ti–Li centers increases with the baking temperature, while the irradiation sensitivity of the Ti–H center increases first (up to ∼500 °C) and then decreases with temperature. Moreover, the ESR intensity of the Ti center is more strongly dependent on the annealing history of the samples than the Al center. In addition, from the results of the heating experiment, after heating above 1000 °C, additional irradiation does not produce new Ti–H signals, which probably indicates that the paleo-temperature of the lava flow in Yujiazhai area did not exceed 1000 °C.

Identification of ESR centers and their role in the TL of natural salt from Lluta, Peru

In this study, the thermoluminescence (TL) properties of natural NaCl from Lluta, Arequipa-Peru was investigated. The number of peaks and the kinetic parameters associated with the TL glow peaks of NaCl sample after gamma-irradiation were analyzed by initial rise and deconvolution method. Defect centers induced in pure salt by gamma irradiation have been studied by electron spin resonance (ESR) with a view to identify the centers associated with the TL process in the salt. Thermal annealing experiments indicate the presence of three defect centers. Center I characterized by the g-value 2.011 is identified as an O− ion and relates with the dominant TL peak at 220 °C. Center II with a g-value of 2.0058 is attributed to a F center and is found to correlate with the 128 °C TL peak. Center III has of g-value 2.014 and is also assigned to an O− ion.

Magneto-optical spectra of the split nickel-vacancy defect in diamond

Nickel is a common impurity in high-pressure high-temperature diamond and may contaminate chemical vapor deposited diamond used for high-power electronics or quantum technology applications. Magneto-optical fingerprints of nickel have been known since decades, however, no consensus has been reached about the microscopic origins of nickel-related electron paramagnetic resonance, photoluminescence, and optically detected magnetic resonance spectra. The unknown nickel-related defect structures in diamond make it difficult to control them or harness them for a given application. As a consequence, nickel is considered as an impurity in diamond that should be avoided or its concentration should be minimized. Recent advances in the development of ab initio magneto-optical spectroscopy have significantly increased its accuracy and predictive power that can be employed for identification and in-depth characterization of paramagnetic color centers in diamond. In this study, we extend the accuracy of the ab initio magneto-optical spectroscopy tools towards self-consistent calculation of second-order spin-orbit coupling for paramagnetic color centers in solids. We apply the full arsenal of the ab initio magneto-optical spectroscopy tools to characterize the split nickel-vacancy defect in diamond which is one of the most stable nickel-related defect configurations. As a result, electron paramagnetic resonance and optical centers are positively identified in various charge states of the nickel-vacancy defect in diamond. In particular, the 1.40-eV optical center and the NIRIM-2 electron paramagnetic resonance center are identified as the single negative charge state of the split nickel-vacancy center. The defect possesses $S=\frac{1}{2}$ spin state with an orbital doublet ground state. We find that the coherence time of the ground-state spin is about 0.1 ms at cryogenic temperatures which can be optically initialized and readout by a $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}$-scheme protocol. Since the defect has inversion symmetry the optical signal is insensitive to the stray electric fields, which is an advantage for creating indistinguishable solid-state single-photon sources. We predict that the negatively charged nickel-vacancy defect has similar optical properties to those of the well-known silicon-vacancy defect in diamond but is superior in terms of electron spin coherence times. Our study resolves a few decades controversy about the nickel-related spectroscopy centers in diamond and turns nickel from an impurity to a resource in quantum technology applications.

Coupling of Erbium-Implanted Silicon to a Superconducting Resonator

Erbium-implanted silicon is promising for both photonic and quantum-technology platforms, since it possesses both telecommunications and integrated-circuit processing compatibility. However, several different $\mathrm{Er}$ centers are generated during the implantation and annealing process, the presence of which could hinder the development of these applications. When $\mathrm{Si}$ is coimplanted with ${10}^{17}\phantom{\rule{0.1em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ $\mathrm{Er}$ and ${10}^{20}\phantom{\rule{0.1em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ $\mathrm{O}$ ions, and the appropriate annealing process is used, one of these centers, which is present at higher $\mathrm{Er}$ concentrations, can be eliminated. Characterization of samples with $\mathrm{Er}$ concentrations of ${10}^{17}\phantom{\rule{0.1em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ is limited by the sensitivity of standard electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) instruments. The collective coupling strength between a superconducting (SC) $\mathrm{Nb}\mathrm{N}$ lumped-element resonator and a ${10}^{17}\phantom{\rule{0.1em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ $\mathrm{Er}$-implanted $\mathrm{Si}$ sample at 20 mK is measured to be about 1 MHz, which provides a basis for the characterization of low-concentration $\mathrm{Er}$-implanted $\mathrm{Si}$ and for future networks of hybrid quantum systems that exchange quantum information over the telecommunication network. Of six known $\mathrm{Er}$-related EPR centers, only one trigonal center couples to the SC resonator.

Towards identification of silicon vacancy-related electron paramagnetic resonance centers in 4H -SiC

The negatively charged silicon vacancy [V$_\text{Si}(-)$] in silicon carbide (SiC) is a paramagnetic and optically active defect in hexagonal SiC. V$_\text{Si}(-)$ defect possesses $S = 3/2$ spin with long spin coherence time and can be optically manipulated even at room temperature. Recently, electron spin resonance signals have been observed besides the signals associated with the V$_\text{Si}(-)$ defects in the 4H polytype of SiC. The corresponding centers share akin properties to those of the V$_\text{Si}(-)$ defects and thus they may be promising candidates for quantum technology applications. However, the exact origin of the new signals is unknown. In this paper we report V$_\text{Si}(-)$-related pair defect models as possible candidates for the unknown centers. We determine the corresponding electronic structures and magneto-optical properties as obtained by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. We propose models for the recently observed electron paramagnetic resonance centers with predicting their optical signals for identification in future experiments.

Determination of Optimal Modulation Amplitude for Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) Dating and Dosimetry Studies of Tooth Enamel

Fossil remains, which provide important information about past life and ecology, are especially important in natural history and life evolution. Recently, many interdisciplinary dating studies have been conducted and many different techniques have been used to investigate the data obtained in this field. Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) (or alternatively, Electron Paramagnetic Resonance, EPR) is one of the methods used in absolute dating and dosimetry studies. It is based on determination of the radiation-centered radicals obtained from the radiation dose absorbed by irradiated materials. One of the important problems in dosimetry and dating studies performed with ESR method is the dependence of experimental parameters on the accumulated dose. The accumulated dose value is effective in determining the actual result of the dating and dosimetric samples. This value is influenced from the stability of the ESR centers, experimental stages, sample preparation or measurement processes. In this study, how the modulation amplitude parameter affects ESR signal intensity in ESR dating and dosimetry studies of tooth enamel investigated. The selective archaeological animal tooth enamel sample was used from the archaeological site of Köşk Höyük, in Turkey for experimental studies. This sample was prepared with combined processes of mechanical and chemical treatment of tooth in laboratory. Tooth enamel sample was irradiated by 60Co gamma-ray source in dose of 1000 Gy at Çekmece Nuclear Research and Training Center (ÇNAEM), Turkey. After irradiation, ESR spectra were recorded at different modulation amplitude values at room temperature using X-band ESR Spectrometer. According to the results obtained, the most suitable modulation amplitude values for ESR measurements of tooth enamel sample examined in the study was found between 0.25G and 2G.

EPR response of anhydrite crystal (CaSO4) for dosimetry of gamma photon beams

An anhydrite (CaSO4) natural sample was studied as possible dosimeter for low and high gamma doses using the technique of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). EPR spectrum showed signals due to (SO3)-, (SO4)- radicals and O- center. The anhydrite sample was irradiated with gamma rays with low-dose ranges typical for medical therapy (1–20 Gy) up to high-dose of about 70 kGy. The EPR centers due to (SO3)- and (SO4)- exhibited a linear dose response in the dose range from 1 Gy to 500 Gy, whilst the O- center presented a supra-linear dose response in the range of 50 to 5 kGy.

New Paramagnetic Center in Cu-Doped Y-Stabilized ZrO2

The results of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) of Cu-doped Y-stabilized ZrO2 powders calcined at 800 °C–1000 °C are presented. It was found that the calcination of the samples at high temperatures leads to dramatic modification of EPR spectrum and appearance of new Cu-related signal. Computer simulations of both X- and Q-band spectra allowed to determine the following parameters of the copper centers: S = 1/2, I = 3/2, gx = 2.021, gy = 2.026, gz = 2.168, Axx ∼ 40 × 10−4 cm−4, Ayy ∼ 35 × 10−4 cm−4, Azz ∼ 186 × 10−4 cm−4, Axz ∼ 10 × 10−4 cm−4, Ayz ∼ 5 × 10−4 cm−4 for the 63Cu isotope. The analysis of the experimental data allows proposing center model as CuZr2+ in the monoclinic ZrO2 lattice. The comparison with photoluminescent data allows assumption that EPR center investigated participate in the light emission process.

Role of the Nitric Oxide (NO) in the Regulation of Steroidogenesis in Placenta During Physiological Pregnancy and Preeclampsia (Experimental Study)

Abstract The aim of the study was to establish the role of nitric oxide (NO) in the regulation of steroidogenesis in the placenta during physiological pregnancy and experimental preeclampsia (PE) in rats. EPR centers of the placenta, free NO and its metabolites were determined by the Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) method. At the last stage of pregnancy in the EPR spectra of the rats’ placenta with PE alterations of the signals intensity of mitochondrial steroidogenic electron transport proteins were detected: the FeS-centers of adrenodoxin decreased, the ferricytochrome P-450 increased, the free NO content decreased, and the complexes of NO with heme (HbNO) and non-heme iron (FeSNO) were detected. These data indicate the violation of placental steroidogenesis, which is confirmed by a decrease in the level of progesterone in blood. Therefore, the nitrosylation of mitochondrial proteins is an important redox-dependent mechanism of regulation of the intensity of steroidogenesis.

Computational identification of Ga-vacancy related electron paramagnetic resonance centers in β-Ga2O3

A combined experimental/theoretical study of the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) centers in irradiated β-Ga2O3 is presented. Four EPR spectra, two S = 1/2 and two S = 1, are observed after high-energy proton or electron irradiation. Three of them have been reported before in neutron irradiated samples. One of the S = 1/2 spectra (EPR1) can be observed at room temperature and below and is characterized by the spin Hamiltonian parameters gb = 2.0313, gc = 2.0079, and ga* = 2.0025 and a quasi-isotropic hyperfine interaction with two equivalent Ga neighbors of ∼14 G on 69Ga and correspondingly ∼18 G on 71Ga in their natural abundances. The second (EPR2) is observed after photoexcitation (with a threshold of 2.8 eV) at low temperature and is characterized by gb = 2.0064, gc = 2.0464, and ga* = 2.0024 and a quasi-isotropic hyperfine interaction with two equivalent Ga neighbors of 10 G (for 69Ga). A spin S = 1 spectrum with a similar g-tensor and a 50% reduced hyperfine splitting accompanies each of these, which is indicative of a defect of two weakly coupled S = 1/2 centers. Density functional theory calculations of the magnetic resonance fingerprint (g-tensor and hyperfine interaction) of a wide variety of native defect models and their complexes are carried out to identify these EPR centers in terms of specific defect configurations. The EPR1 center is proposed to correspond to a complex of two tetrahedral VGa1 with an interstitial Ga in between them and oriented in a specific direction in the crystal. This model was previously shown to have lower energy than the simple tetrahedral Ga vacancy and has a 2−/3− transition level higher than other VGa related models, which would explain why the other ones are already in their diamagnetic 3− state and are thus not observed if the Fermi level is pinned approximately at this level. The EPR2 spectra (S = 1/2 as well as the related S = 1) are proposed to correspond to the octahedral VGa2 in which the spin is located on an oxygen off the defect’s mirror plane and has a tilted spin density. Models based on self-trapped holes and oxygen interstitials are ruled out because they would have hyperfine interaction with more than two Ga nuclei and because they cannot support a corresponding S = 1 center.

Electron paramagnetic resonance centers and defects in β-Ga2O3

New experimental and theoretical study of electron paramagnetic resonance centers and defect configurations in β-Ga 2 O 3 .

High-pressure EPR spectroscopy studies of the E. coli lipopolysaccharide transport proteins LptA and LptC.

The use of pressure is an advantageous approach to the study of protein structure and dynamics because it can shift the equilibrium populations of protein conformations toward higher energy states that are not of sufficient population to be observable at atmospheric pressure. Recently, the Hubbell group at the University of California, Los Angeles, reintroduced the application of high pressure to the study of proteins by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. This methodology is possible using X-band EPR spectroscopy due to advances in pressure intensifiers, sample cells, and resonators. In addition to the commercial availability of the pressure generation and sample cells by Pressure Biosciences Inc., a five-loop-four-gap resonator required for the initial high pressure EPR spectroscopy experiments by the Hubbell group, and those reported here, was designed by James S. Hyde and built and modified at the National Biomedical EPR Center. With these technological advances, we determined the effect of pressure on the essential periplasmic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) transport protein from Escherichia coli, LptA, and one of its binding partners, LptC. LptA unfolds from the N-terminus to the C-terminus, binding of LPS does not appreciably stabilize the protein under pressure, and monomeric LptA unfolds somewhat more readily than oligomeric LptA upon pressurization to 2 kbar. LptC exhibits a fold and relative lack of stability upon LPS binding similar to LptA, yet adopts an altered, likely monomeric, folded conformation under pressure with only its C-terminus unraveling. The pressure-induced changes likely correlate with functional changes associated with binding and transport of LPS.

Contribution of Harold M. Swartz to In Vivo EPR and EPR Dosimetry.

In 2015, we are celebrating half a century of research in the application of Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) as a biodosimetry tool to evaluate the dose received by irradiated people. During the EPR Biodose 2015 meeting, a special session was organized to acknowledge the pioneering contribution of Harold M. (Hal) Swartz in the field. The article summarizes his main contribution in physiology and medicine. Four emerging themes have been pursued continuously along his career since its beginning: (1) radiation biology; (2) oxygen and oxidation; (3) measuring physiology in vivo; and (4) application of these measurements in clinical medicine. The common feature among all these different subjects has been the use of magnetic resonance techniques, especially EPR. In this article, you will find an impressionist portrait of Hal Swartz with the description of the 'making of' this pioneer, a time-line perspective on his career with the creation of three National Institutes of Health-funded EPR centers, a topic-oriented perspective on his career with a description of his major contributions to Science, his role as a mentor and his influence on his academic children, his active role as founder of scientific societies and organizer of scientific meetings, and the well-deserved international recognition received so far.