Abstract: A method of detecting spins in a sample, includes exciting the spins of the sample by means of a radio-frequency or microwave electromagnetic pulse for flipping the spins, and detecting a noise signal produced by the return of the spins to equilibrium by means of a device for counting radio-frequency or microwave photons.

Abstract: A method of detecting spins in a sample, includes exciting the spins of the sample by means of a radio-frequency or microwave electromagnetic pulse for flipping the spins, and detecting a noise signal produced by the return of the spins to equilibrium by means of a device for counting radio-frequency or microwave photons.

Abstract: A method for hyperpolarizing spins includes the following steps: a) placing a sample containing spins (s) in a stationary magnetic field; b) magnetically coupling the sample to an electromagnetic resonator having a resonance frequency ?0 equal to the Larmor frequency of the spins in the stationary magnetic field, such that the coupling with the resonator dominates the relaxation dynamics of the spins; and c) reducing the effective temperature of the electromagnetic field inside the electromagnetic resonator below its physical temperature and that of the sample; whereby the polarization of the spins of the sample is established at a value higher than its thermal equilibrium value. An apparatus for implementing such a method is also provided.

Abstract: A method for hyperpolarizing spins includes the following steps: a) placing a sample containing spins (s) in a stationary magnetic field; b) magnetically coupling the sample to an electromagnetic resonator having a resonance frequency ?0 equal to the Larmor frequency of the spins in the stationary magnetic field, such that the coupling with the resonator dominates the relaxation dynamics of the spins; and c) reducing the effective temperature of the electromagnetic field inside the electromagnetic resonator below its physical temperature and that of the sample; whereby the polarization of the spins of the sample is established at a value higher than its thermal equilibrium value. An apparatus for implementing such a method is also provided.

Abstract: A device for detecting and characterising electron spins in a sample includes an electromagnetic microresonator, having a resonant frequency cor in the microwave range and a quality factor Q and into which the sample is inserted; a device for creating a magnetic field B0 in the sample for bringing a spin transition frequency cos into resonance with the resonant frequency cor, such that cos=?B0, where ? is a gyromagnetic factor of the spins; a spin detection device receiving signals from the electromagnetic microresonator associated with the sample and including at least one low-noise amplifier operating at a temperature of between 1 and 10 K and a series of amplifiers and a demodulator operating at ambient temperature.

Abstract: A device for detecting and characterising electron spins in a sample includes an electromagnetic microresonator, having a resonant frequency cor in the microwave range and a quality factor Q and into which the sample is inserted; a device for creating a magnetic field B0 in the sample for bringing a spin transition frequency cos into resonance with the resonant frequency cor, such that cos=?B0, where ? is a gyromagnetic factor of the spins; a spin detection device receiving signals from the electromagnetic microresonator associated with the sample and including at least one low-noise amplifier operating at a temperature of between 1 and 10 K and a series of amplifiers and a demodulator operating at ambient temperature.