  We present a new approach to the induction detection of electron spin
resonance (ESR) signals exploiting the nonlinear properties of a
superconducting resonator. Our experiments employ a yttrium barium copper oxide
(YBCO) superconducting stripline microwave (MW) resonator integrated with a
microbridge. A strong nonlinear response of the resonator is thermally
activated in the microbridge when exceeding a threshold in the injected MW
power. The responsivity factor characterizing the ESR-induced change in the
system's output signal is about 100 times larger when operating the resonator
near the instability threshold, compared to the value obtained in the linear
regime of operation. Preliminary experimental results, together with a
theoretical model of this phenomenon are presented. Under appropriate
conditions nonlinear induction detection of ESR can potentially improve upon
the current capabilities of conventional linear induction detection ESR.
