A new Q-band EPR probe for quantitative studies of even electron metalloproteins.

Existing Q-band (35 GHz) EPR spectrometers employ cylindrical cavities for more intense microwave magnetic fields B1, but are so constructed that only one orientation between the external field B and B1 is allowed, namely the B perpendicular B1 orientation, thus limiting the use of the spectrometer to measurements on Kramers spin systems (odd electron systems). We have designed and built a Q-band microwave probe to detect EPR signals in even electron systems, which operates in the range 2 K </= T </= 300 K for studies of metalloprotein samples. The cylindrical microwave cavity operates in the TE011 mode with cylindrical wall coupling to the waveguide, thus allowing all orientations of the external magnetic field B relative to the microwave field B1. Such orientations allow observation of EPR transitions in non-Kramers ions (even electron) which are either forbidden or significantly weaker for B perpendicular B1. Rotation of the external magnetic field also permits easy differentiation between spin systems from even and odd electron oxidation states. The cavity consists of a metallic helix and thin metallic end walls mounted on epoxy supports, which allows efficient penetration of the modulation field. The first quantitative EPR measurements from a metalloprotein (Hemerythrin) at 35 GHz with B1 || B are presented. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.