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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/R38231/01
Title: Ultra-high frequency heterodyne receivers for magneto-optical spectroscopy of metallo-enzymes.
Principal Investigator: Davies, Professor JJ
Other Investigators:
Davies, Dr S Wolverson, Professor D
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
University of East Anglia
Department: Physics
Organisation: University of Bath
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 01 October 2001 Ends: 30 September 2005 Value (£): 388,271
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Chemical Biology Materials Characterisation
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
No relevance to Underpinning Sectors
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
We propose to construct a novel magneto-optical spectrometer system for investigation of the structure and function of chromophores in the life sciences. Such studies provide information concerning the nature and symmetry of the active centres that cannot be obtained by other methods. Our approach makes use of the microwave-induced precession of electron spins that occurs when an applied magnetic field satisfies the condition for magnetic resonance. The precession results in the modulation of the optical activity (usually the circular dichroism) at the microwave frequency. To monitor these changes we shall use novel laser scattering and optical heterodyne detection scheme that we have already demonstrated at 14 GHz. Recent technological advances now make it possible to construct a system at 95 GHz, where there are very great advantages of resolution and selectivity. In particular, we shall make use of PPARCsupported technology that was developed at Bath for the construction of astronomical detectors capable of efficient operation at mm-wave frequencies. The first applications will be to catalytic transition metal ion centres in enzymes, taking advantage of the selectivity of the technique, which enables different magnetic centres present in the same specimen to be studied independently.
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Organisation Website: http://www.bath.ac.uk