Faculty may propose to add new equipment or transfer existing equipment to MIT.nano’s facilities. Proposals go through the process outlined below. For equipment that will be part of a grant proposal, successful completion of the first four steps are sufficient for a MIT.nano letter of support.
To inquire about the process or to propose a toolset, email mitnano@mit.edu.
Operational models for MIT.nano
MIT.nano will host two types of toolsets:
- Centrally managed: Shared tools and instruments, open to the entire research community.
- Privately managed: Spaces stewarded for specific projects and capabilities.
All areas within the MIT.nano building are overseen by MIT.nano staff and technicians. Users of the shared toolset and stewarded spaces are subject to oversight by the MIT.nano staff and agree to adhere to our rules and policies for access, safety, policies, and procedures.
MIT.nano operations are independent of tool or instrument location. That is, the operations of the tool/instrument in its current core laboratory location (outside of Building 12) will remain the same until the entire toolset is relocated to the MIT.nano building. This will assure that the users are not confused as they transition between the MIT.nano building and the core laboratory. Once relocated, the tool/instrument policies and procedure will change according to the need of the users.
Process for proposing a tool/instrument/space for MIT.nano
1. Propose a candidate instrument/tool/space
- Contact MIT.nano Faculty Director to initiate process
- Identify the tool/instrument/space type: shared, mission-critical, new (capacity or capability), private, and directed
- One-on-one discussions with MIT.nano Faculty Director and Managing Director to assess compatibility/need, including substrate size, deposit/etch/measure, history, contamination, maintenance budget, financial model, user history, staffing, process data, user base (regular and repeat users), age, and vendor support
2. Establish instrument/tool/space requirements
- Document the list of tools or instruments
- Hold one-on-one discussions with the Managing Director (or delegate) to determine facilities and space needs (environment, power, water, gas, and ventilation)
3. Develop preliminary layout
- Interactive/iterative process with the Managing Director (or delegate)
- Establish feasibility and identify potential site
4. Preliminary approval to move forward
- Five-day review period by MIT.nano Faculty Director and Managing Director
- Identify scope-of-work funds
- Allows inclusion in grant proposal, if needed
- Assign and track as a project
5. Scope of Work ($)
- Complete SAFE form
- Design firm creates schematic design drawings
- Generates budgetary cost and schedule estimate (non-binding)
6. Interim Approval (3 paths)
- MIT.nano Faculty Director
- MIT.nano Faculty Director with input from MIT.nano Leadership Council
- MIT.nano Faculty Director with input from Tool/Space Committee
7. CRSP Review/Approval
8. Determine Final Pricing ($$)
- Construction documents
- Funding sources verified
- Review and approval by MIT Facilities and Environmental Health and Safety
9. Final Approval by MIT.nano Faculty Director
10. Execution ($$$)