Accessing Nanofabrication Nottingham

Internal Users

We are always keen to welcome new users to Nanofabrication Nottingham whether they are experienced fabricators or have just learnt about nanofabrication. If you are unsure about what you need then the best first step is to arrange a time to have a chat, either in person or via teams. This will allow us to discuss your project and if needed advise on the best way forward. 

Once you know what you want you can choose from 3 different tiers. They are:

Tier 1: 

We perform the fabrication for you. This is ideal if you are only wanted a limited number of samples made or if you are not interested in learning nanofabrication. We will discuss the project with you, come up with a fabrication plan and carry out the work. We recommend this level for external work. 

Tier 2:

We help you with the fabrication. This is ideal if you want to perform the fabrication yourself but need help with some of the more complicated steps. We will provide training in instrumentation such as spin coaters, thermal evaporators and wet etching but will carry out steps such as EBL, PECVD or dry etching. You are welcome to observe these steps. 

Tier 3:

You do everything. This is ideal if you want to do all the fabrication steps and you have time to be trained. We will train you on all the equipment needed to make your devices and support you in using these in the future. Given the time taken to perform the training on some equipment we only recommend this for frequent users.

If you choose tiers 2 or 3 then we will need to arrange an induction to the cleanroom and training. As nanofabrication Nottingham spans 2 locations the systems for training and getting access will differ, we will advise you on what needs to be done and ensure these are linked up in the most efficient way.  

External Users

We welcome enquiries from external users to Nanofabrication Nottingham whether you are from another university in the UK, internationally or are a commercial organisation. In most cases we carry out the work for you, however if the work is sustained and regular we are happy to discuss training external users. As with internal users the first step is to get in contact with us with details of what you need, if needed we can then follow this up with a chat in person or virtually. We have a dedicated commercial team who are then ready to help with quotes, contracts and if needed NDAs.

Charging and Grants

Our current fees can be found here but please get in contact for precise costing. 

If applying for funding please feel free to get in contact so we can advise on suitable amounts to be requesting. Members of the team are more than happy to be involved as Co-Is on grants where there is a significant amount of fabrication involved.

Grants to access the facilities at nanofabrication Nottingham are currently available via the ITSS equipment sharing fund. If you are interested in this route please speak to us.