Photolithographic production of glass sample holders for improved sensitivity and resolution in ESR microscopy

Electron spin resonance microscopy (ESRM) is an imaging method aiming at the observation of stable free radicals in small samples with a spatial resolution of about 1 micrometer. One of the challenges associated with the use of ESRM in conjunction with small biological samples (e.g., single cells) is containing these samples in a manner that will minimize the effect on the quality factor of the resonator but yet enable easy handling and simultaneous optical and ESR observation. Here we present a new type of flat samples that provide an adequate answer to this challenge. The samples are made of thin glass coverslips, manufactured by photolithography techniques. Details of the manufacturing process as well as the expected improvements in sensitivity and resolution are provided.