Experimental investigation of RF magnetic field homogeneity in a bridged loop-gap resonator

The relationship between an RF magnetic field and an electric shielding plate called a bridge in a bridged loop-gap resonator (BLGR), which is used for EPR spectroscopy and imaging, is examined. The magnetic field in a BLGR is perturbed due to discontinuity of the conductive loop and electric fringing fields near the gaps. The magnetic field homogeneity in the BLGR can be improved with a bridge. The optimum angle for such bridges can be found by measuring the RF magnetic field. In this study, the RF magnetic field was measured for BLGRs 70 mm in diameter, with a resonance frequency of 302 +/- 5 MHz. The field uniformity on a circle with a radius of 27 mm was improved by 8% with bridges at optimal angles. Improved RF magnetic field homogeneity associated with a BLGR is demonstrated.