ISO 9001:2015 Certified

September 2025 Newsletter: Nanofab
PRI Certification ISO 9001:2015

Performance Review Institute (PRI) Certification recognizes the Penn State Materials Research Institute's Nanofabrication Laboratory for having met the stringent requirements of the ISO9001 international standards, their ongoing commitment to satisfying stakeholders, and their dedication to continual improvement of their management system.

LEO Registration Process Enhanced for a Better User Experience

August 2025 Newsletter: LEO
Laboratory Equipment Operations LEO wordmark

The LEO Registration process has been updated to offer a streamlined and user-friendly experience for Penn State researchers seeking access to SIMBA cost collectors for the purpose of charging Core Research Facilities expenses via the LEO system.

What's New?
The Registration website has been simplified, and the approval process permits cost collector authorization directly from an emailed request. Approvals can also be managed conveniently through Microsoft Teams or directly within the registration website.

What You Need to Register

Annual maintenance week improves reliability for the nanofabrication facility

August 2025 Newsletter: Nanofab
Fluorescent images in the nanofab

This year's comprehensive maintenance week has once again proven its tremendous value to our nanofabrication operations, delivering improvements in system reliability and facility performance throughout the past twelve months. During this intensive five-day period, our technical teams successfully serviced nearly all critical systems across the facility, from lithography and deposition tools to environmental controls and support equipment. This proactive approach has resulted in a reduction in unscheduled shutdowns, translating to increased research throughput.

Free Workshop: August 26, 2025

August 2025 Newsletter: MCL
TA Instruments and MCL logos promoting a workshop

Join us for an informative workshop where MCL's thermal analysis suite will be showcased. This session will cover three key techniques: thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and combined TGA/DSC up to 1500°C (SDT), along with evolved gas analysis (EGA) via a TGA coupled to a Mass Spectrometer (TGA-MS). Learn directly from the instrument manufacturer how to maximize the use of these instruments. Bring your application examples and questions for discussion.

LOCATION
N-201 Millennium Science Complex
University Park, PA

WHEN

New LEO Storefront

July 2025 Newsletter: LEO
Laboratory Equipment Operations LEO wordmark

The new LEO storefront feature has had a limited release and is being piloted by the Nanofabrication Facility. This feature makes it easier for researchers to request supply and consumable items for their research projects. The automated request system has been embedded into the LEO interface and allows researchers to request items without having to track down a staff member. Fulfillment notifications from staff indicate where and when the item(s) can be picked up. This new feature will be refined and further improved through user feedback.

New Eshylon charging station and carrier wafers now available in Nanofab

July 2025 Newsletter: Nanofab
Eshylon charging station equipment

The Nanofab now offers the Eshylon Charging Station and electrostatic carrier wafers—an advanced solution for mounting thin wafers and small parts in etch tools. This system improves thermal stability, eliminates adhesive residue, and enables damage-free handling of fragile substrates. It ensures uniform contact and heat transfer, making it ideal for high-temperature or delicate processes. For implementation support, contact Guy Lavallee.