Getting Started

Easy Access to World-Class Resources

The Singh Center supports nanotechnology innovation by providing easily accessible fabrication, characterization and measurement of nanomaterials and devices in the heart of Philadelphia under one roof for scientists and researchers. The Singh Center for Nanotechnology houses three (3) core facilities for the School of Engineering and Applied Science, which are managed by our expert staff to train users on our instrumentation and tools:

1. Quattrone Nanofabrication Facility (cleanroom),
2. Nanoscale Characterization Facility (electron microscopes and ion beam), and the
3. Scanning and Local Probe Facility (AFM, STM, confocal microscopy and local probe station).

Please follow the instructions below on how to reach the appropriate facility staff to discuss your project. Applicants must receive staff approval before requesting access to the Center.

Access to the Quattrone Nanofabrication Facility (QNF)

1. Complete the New User Project Form, providing information on the nature of your project. As a reminder, tools in the cleanroom include spinners, lithography, metal deposition, metal etch, micromachining lasers, ion milling, wet process benches, and soft lithography (microfluidics).
2. Attend the QNF Open Forum, where you can discuss your project needs with QNF Staff. The Open Forum is held every Wednesday, 3pm – 5pm, and can be attended in person in Singh 035, or via Zoom.
   • For all appointments beginning May 1, 2024, please book a slot using the new Google appointment scheduler.
   • If you are not able to make the scheduled QNF Open Forum times or cannot access the scheduler, contact Eric Johnston (ericdj@seas.upenn.edu) via email to make other arrangements.
3. Once your project has been approved, submit an access request.
   • For external users, you may need to complete an external user agreement if one does not already exist for your organization. 
   • You do not need to submit another access request if you have previously submitted an access request unless you are an internal user and need to submit a new 26-digit budget code to create a new project.
   • Required Signatures: A form will be sent via DocuSign for signature by our user admin.
     • Internal Users: Your PI and Grants Manager must sign the document and provide a 26-digit budget code for billing purposes.
     • External Users: A PI signature and invoicing contact information is only needed.
4. Complete the QNF orientation video training and take the orientation quiz, via the following link: Orientation Training Link.
5. Attend the QNF Walkthrough. Sign up through our Orientation Walkthrough registration page.

Access to Nanoscale Characterization Facility (NCF) and Scanning and Local Probe (SLPF)

1. Contact the facility to discuss project feasibility and for design assistance.
   • Scanning & Local Probe Facility: Matt Brukman (AFM, STM, Confocal, Local Probe)
   • Nanoscale Characterization Facility: Doug Yates (TEMs) or Jamie Ford (SEMs/FIB)
2. Once your project has been approved, submit an access request.
   • For external users, you may need to complete an external user agreement if one does not already exist for your organization. 
   • You do not need to submit another access request if you have previously submitted an access request unless you are an internal user and need to submit a new 26-digit budget code to create a new project.
   • Required Signatures: A form will be sent via DocuSign for signature by our user admin.
     • Internal Users: Your PI and Grants Manager must sign the document and provide a 26-digit budget code for billing purposes.
     • External Users: A PI signature and invoicing contact information is only needed.
3. Receive training on equipment.

Access to the Property Measurement Facility

Contact propertymeasuregroup@nano.upenn.edu to discuss project feasibility and for design assistance.