the flipping back and forth between two spin directions of electrons in a magnetic field when electromagnetic radiation of the proper frequency is applied.
Abbreviation: ESR.
Also called electron paramagnetic resonance, spin resonance.
Origin
1950-55
British Dictionary definitions for electron spin resonance
electron spin resonance
noun
1.
a technique for investigating paramagnetic substances by subjecting them to high-frequency radiation in a strong magnetic field. Changes in the spin of unpaired electrons cause radiation to be absorbed at certain frequencies ESR See also nuclear magnetic resonance
electron spin resonance in Medicine
electron spin resonancen.
Abbr. ESR A spectrometric method, based on measurement of the spins of unpaired electrons in a magnetic field, for detecting and estimating free radicals in organic reactions.