A NEW METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE RELAXATION-TIMES, T-1 AND T-2, FROM PROGRESSIVE SATURATION OF INHOMOGENEOUSLY BROADENED LINES

An analytical method to determine the spin-lattice (T-1), and spin-spi n (T-2), relaxation times for inhomogeneously broadened lines obtained from electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) experiments is presented i n this work. To apply this method, the knowledge of the lineshape of t he saturation curve is not necessary, only the Lorentzian and Gaussian widths are required and these are obtained from a non-saturated line. The relaxation times are calculated by using continuous saturation un der slow passage conditions. An explicit algebraic equation for the di rect calculation of T-1, and the general form of the saturation curve for a single line in an EPR signal are given. The equation given to ca lculate T-1 can also be used for substances in which the full saturati on can not be obtained experimentally. A comparison of the results obt ained for some substances by using the present method with respect to other existent ones, is carried out to show its reliability.