A journey through six decades of groundbreaking research that transformed spin science and magnetic resonance
Imagine a hidden world where tiny particles spin like tops, governing everything from how plants convert sunlight into energy to how our medical MRI machines peer inside the human body. This is the quantum realm of electron spins, an invisible landscape that Russian physicist Kev Minullinovich Salikhov has spent over six decades mapping.
This is the story of a scientist whose theoretical insights have illuminated some of nature's best-kept secrets, earning him Russia's most prestigious scientific honors and the admiration of the global scientific community. From the foundations of pulse EPR spectroscopy to recent paradigm-shifting discoveries about spin interactions, Salikhov's journey demonstrates how one brilliant mind can alter our understanding of the quantum universe.
Revolutionized understanding of electron spin interactions and their role in chemical processes
Pioneered theoretical foundations of pulse EPR spectroscopy and spin exchange
Awarded the Lenin Prize in 1986 and numerous other honors for groundbreaking contributions
Kev Minullinovich Salikhov's scientific journey began at Kazan State University (now Kazan Federal University), where he studied Physics and Mathematics under the guidance of renowned scientist Prof. S.A. Altshuler 1 . His early academic path took him to Leningrad for postgraduate studies focused on polymer physics, but a pivotal moment came in 1963 when he and his wife Zoya moved to Novosibirsk 1 .
There, he began working at the Institute of Chemical Kinetics and Combustion SB RAS, where he would spend the next 25 years laying the groundwork for his most significant contributions to science 1 .
Studied Physics and Mathematics under Prof. S.A. Altshuler
Focused on polymer physics
Began working at Institute of Chemical Kinetics and Combustion SB RAS
Laid groundwork for major contributions to spin science
In 1988, as Perestroika began sweeping through Soviet institutions, Salikhov's career took another pivotal turn when he was elected director of the Kazan E. K. Zavoisky Physical-Technical Institute (KPhTI) 1 . The institute was named after E.K. Zavoisky, the scientist who first observed EPR, making Salikhov's appointment particularly fitting given his expertise in the field 1 .
Under his leadership, KPhTI developed numerous new scientific directions from the ground up, including scanning tunneling and atomic force microscopy, femtosecond spectroscopy, and quantum computing 1 . Salikhov also founded the journal Applied Magnetic Resonance, established the International Zavoisky Award, and brought the prestigious AMPERE Congress to Kazan in 1994—marking the first time this international magnetic resonance conference was held in Russia 1 .
Transformed understanding of how electrons' "spins" interact and exchange during collisions between paramagnetic particles or radicals 2 .
Made fundamental contributions to the theoretical foundation of this sophisticated method that uses microwave pulses to study electrons 1 .
Developed new kinetic equations to describe spin-dependent behavior of short-lived molecules with unpaired electrons 6 .
One of Salikhov's significant theoretical predictions involved quantum beats in EPR spectra—oscillations in signal intensity that provide information about spin interactions 1 . His theories predicted these beats in charge-separated states during the initial stages of photosynthesis, where solar energy converts to chemical energy in plants 1 . These predictions were later experimentally confirmed, validating his theoretical models and providing deeper insight into one of nature's most essential processes 1 .
In 2022, Salikhov published work on new kinetic equations for spin-dependent recombination of radical pairs, refining models that had been used for decades 6 . His approach treated recombination as a quasi-unimolecular process, similar to established theories of unimolecular reactions, leading to more accurate descriptions of these quantum processes 6 .
Salikhov's work extended into the cutting-edge field of quantum information, where he proposed new protocols for quantum teleportation using electron spins 1 . In collaboration with PhD student M.Y. Volkov, he developed a protocol for implementing quantum logic operations (CNOT) using electron spins as qubits 1 . This work demonstrates how fundamental research in spin physics can have profound implications for future technologies in computing and information processing.
For nearly 70 years, the scientific understanding of spin exchange in dilute solutions of paramagnetic particles remained largely unchanged. The traditional view, developed throughout the mid-20th century, described spin exchange as a relatively straightforward process governed by established mathematical formalisms. This conventional model served as the foundation for interpreting EPR spectroscopy data across countless experiments and applications 2 .
In 2019, Salikhov published a groundbreaking paper titled "Current state of the spin exchange theory in dilute solutions of paramagnetic particles. New paradigm of spin exchange and its manifestations in EPR spectroscopy" in the journal Physics-Uspekhi 3 . This work didn't merely tweak the existing model—it fundamentally challenged the traditional understanding that had dominated the field for decades 2 .
The true measure of any theoretical breakthrough lies in its ability to predict and explain experimental results. Salikhov's new paradigm of spin exchange has received multiple experimental confirmations, demonstrating its superiority over the old models 2 . These validations have come from various research groups studying different aspects of EPR spectroscopy and spin interactions.
The impact of this paradigm shift was significant enough that in June 2025, an unusual international conference—SPIN2025—was held specifically to address the transition to this new understanding of spin exchange 2 . Organized by Salikhov himself as part of the activities of the Scientific Methodology Development Center, the conference brought together more than 100 scientists from 6 countries to "rethink the very basis of how we understand spin exchange in dilute solutions" 2 .
The SPIN2025 conference serves as an excellent case study of how Salikhov's work has transformed his field. Unlike traditional scientific meetings, SPIN2025 was specifically designed to facilitate a transition in scientific thinking 2 .
An overwhelming majority of participants (91.7%) praised the organization and format, with one noting: "The detailed discussion of one issue allowed us to discuss all sides of the problem. The preliminary familiarization with the main aspects of the problem and the opportunity to listen to the talks again in recordings allowed all participants to better understand the new paradigm" 2 .
Salikhov's theoretical work has always been closely connected to experimental methods in magnetic resonance. The tools and techniques that he helped develop or refine form the foundation of modern spin science.
| Tool/Method | Function | Significance in Salikhov's Work |
|---|---|---|
| Pulse EPR Spectrometers | Measures electron spin interactions using microwave pulses | Foundation for many of his theoretical developments and experimental verifications 1 |
| Spin Probes | Molecular labels used to study local environments | Salikhov made founding contributions to this method 1 |
| PELDOR | Measures distances between electron spins | Salikhov developed theory for centers with overlapping EPR spectra 1 |
| Quantum Coherence Measurements | Tracks how long quantum states persist | Salikhov interpreted deceleration of spin decoherence as quantum Zeno effect 1 |
| Theoretical Modeling | Mathematical description of spin behavior | Salikhov's primary contribution method across all his work 1 6 |
Kev Minullinovich Salikhov's career exemplifies how deep theoretical insight can transform entire fields of science. From his early work on spin exchange to his recent paradigm-shifting theories, he has consistently demonstrated that fundamental understanding precedes technological innovation. His ability to maintain this rigorous theoretical approach while leading a major research institute and nurturing international collaborations offers a model of scientific leadership that balances deep specialization with broad engagement.
This effortless dedication to science—treating it as essential as breathing—may be the true secret behind Salikhov's remarkable career. It has enabled him to make contributions that span from the most fundamental aspects of quantum physics to practical applications in medicine, chemistry, and materials science. As spin science continues to find new applications in quantum computing, renewable energy research, and advanced materials, Salikhov's legacy serves as a powerful reminder that today's theoretical curiosities often become tomorrow's technological revolutions.