Use of Electron Spin Resonance Spectrometry in Microscopy, Dating and Dosimetry A Review

Abstract

Uses of electron spin resonance (ESR) techniques in chronology and radiation dosimetry are reviewed, especially the special distribution of ESR intensities with imaging techniques. This will stimulate the use of these analytical techniques in interdisciplinary fields including nuclear science, medicine, biology, earth science, archaeology, history and forensic science. The principle of "chemical ESR dating" is to detect unpaired electrons created by oxidizing or deterioration reactions, while that of "physical ESR dating" is the measurement of the total accumulated dose of natural radiation. The age is determined by radiation assessment. The spatial imaging of the age and dose can be made with the ESR imaging techniques or with ESR microscopes. The procedures of ESR microscopy are described.