Improved accuracy of EPR dosimetry using a constant rotation goniometer

Grains of sufficiently small diameter will theoretically result in an isotropic EPR response which is independent of sample orientation. In practice, use of such small grains may present problems of altered sensitivity and newly induced paramagnetic centers. Additionally, the effect of anisotropy is increased with increasing microwave power. This places limits on the effectiveness of the differential power method which allows determination of cumulative dose without the need for a zero background signal. The use of a constant rotation goniometer reduces the effect of anisotropy, making measurements at all microwave powers, and particularly the higher powers, significantly more accurate. Since the organic and the mineralized components of the EPR signal are both effected by anisotropy, this procedure may well result in reduced limits of detection. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.