Definitions
Electron spin resonance: The identification of paramagnetic species through absorption of energy in an external magnetic field.
Electron spin resonance dating: The determination of burial age through measurement of the concentration of free radicals created by natural radiation.
Introduction
To understand electron resonance (ESR) dating, one must, clearly, first understand the principles of electron spin resonance spectroscopy. As the name shows, these principles begin with the nature of atomic structure – a positively charged nucleus surrounded by negatively charged electrons. The technique of ESR spectroscopy was first developed by Zavoisky in 1944. Since then applications have been developed in multiple fields of chemistry and physics, as well as the potential for dating in geology, paleontology, and archaeology. An excellent summary can be found in Rink (1997).
Quantum theory tells us that all systems have a definite...
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Skinner, A. (2014). Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) Dating, General Principles. In: Rink, W., Thompson, J. (eds) Encyclopedia of Scientific Dating Methods. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-6326-5_6-1
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