Investigation of the triplet states of DNA by optical detection of magnetic resonance using a new slow passage technique

A new method to obtain slow passage ODMR signals under otherwise impeding conditions is described. The technique is applied to identify the triplet state of DNA as thymine. The zero field splitting constants measured are |D| = (0.203 ± 0.003) cm^?1, and |E| ? (0.0123 ± 0.0005) cm^?1. From microwave-induced delayed phosphorescence and slow passage measurements a preliminary kinetic scheme for the triplet state is derived.