Implementing a new EPR lineshape parameter for organic radicals in carbonaceous matter

Abstract

Background: Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) is a non-destructive, non-invasive technique useful for the characterization of organic moieties in primitive carbonaceous matter related to the origin of life. The classical EPR parameters are the peak-to-peak amplitude, the linewidth and the g factor; however, such parameters turn out not to suffice to fully determine a single EPR line.Results: In this paper, we give the definition and practical implementation of a new EPR parameter based on the signal shape that we call the R10 factor. This parameter was originally defined in the case of a single symmetric EPR line and used as a new datation method for organic matter in the field of exobiology.Conclusion: Combined to classical EPR parameters, the proposed shape parameter provides a full description of an EPR spectrum and opens the way to novel applications like datation. Such a parameter is a powerful tool for future EPR studies, not only of carbonaceous matter, but also of any substance which spectrum exhibits a single symmetric line.Reproducibility: The paper is a literate program-written using Noweb within the Org-mode as provided by the Emacs editor- and it also describes the full data analysis pipeline that computes the R10 on a real EPR spectrum. © 2013 Bourbin et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.