# Powerful Solid-State Sources to Enable Advanced EPR and DNP-NMR Measurements

> **NIH NIH R44** · VIRGINIA DIODES, INC. · 2020 · $500,000

## Abstract

Powerful Solid-State Sources to Enable Advanced EPR and DNP-NMR Measurements
 NIH SBIR Phase II Proposal
VDI Project Summary/Abstract:
DNP-NMR and EPR are important scientific tools that are of interest to the NIGMS Division of
Cell Biology and Biophysics. They both rely on a high frequency microwave source to increase
the polarization of electrons in the samples under test. In the past, progress in DNP-NMR and
EPR has been hindered by the difficulty of generating sufficient power levels at the desired
frequencies, which now extend well above 100 GHz. Typical systems rely on a Gyrotron
oscillator that generates tens of watts of power. However, these systems are expensive to
purchase and install, and even the operating and maintenance costs can be prohibitive. The key
focus of this project is to advance solid-state (SS) source technology to the point where it can
begin to replace the Gyrotrons for a significant proportion of DNP-NMR and pulsed-EPR
measurements, thereby lowering the barriers to entry into this field and accelerating the pace of
scientific discovery. The solid-state sources will also enable advanced modulation schemes that
greatly improve the performance of EPR systems, and can potentially have a similar impact on
DNP-NMR. The Phase I research achieved all of the proposal goals, including the demonstration
of a more powerful 263 GHz source that was demonstrated to achieve significant DNP signal
enhancement. The Phase II effort will build on this success in three ways; (i) the power level of
the 263 GHz source will be further increased to facilitate a greater range of measurements, (ii)
the technology will be extended to other frequencies of importance for EPR and DNP,
specifically 395 and 527 GHz, (ii) the new sources will incorporate fast pulse capability as well
as frequency and phase modulation, and (iv) the 263 GHz source will be developed to ensure
easier operation by researchers who are not experts in millimeter wave technology; thereby
accelerating the path to Phase III commercialization of this important technology.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9973197
- **Project number:** 5R44GM126771-03
- **Recipient organization:** VIRGINIA DIODES, INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** Eric Bryerton
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $500,000
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-02-15 → 2021-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9973197

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9973197, Powerful Solid-State Sources to Enable Advanced EPR and DNP-NMR Measurements (5R44GM126771-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9973197. Licensed CC0.

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