Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy using a dc-SQUID magnetometer directly coupled to an electron spin ensemble

Abstract

We demonstrate electron spin polarization detection and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy using a direct current superconducting quantum interference device (dc-SQUID) magnetometer. Our target electron spin ensemble is directly glued on the dc-SQUID magnetometer that detects electron spin polarization induced by a external magnetic field or EPR in micrometer-sized area. The minimum distinguishable number of polarized spins and sensing volume of the electron spin polarization detection and the EPR spectroscopy are estimated to be $\sim$$10^6$ and $\sim$$10^{-10}$ $\mathrm{cm}^{3}$ ($\sim$0.1 pl), respectively.