Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions. If your question isn’t addressed here, please reach out the LNF by email [email protected] or via our inquiry webform.


Prospective Users and New Users

Q: Can people from outside the University of Michigan use the LNF?

A: Yes! Users from companies and users from other academic institutions are welcome at the LNF.

Q: Can companies use the LNF?

A: Yes! We have many companies that use the LNF for their nanofabrication research and development. If your company is not yet an LNF user, you can start exploring the LNF here <LINK>, and then get in touch with us with questions or when you are ready to move forward.

Q: How can I become a user of the LNF?

A: Thanks for asking! Please review the steps listed here <LINK>. We look forward to welcoming you into the LNF!

Q: What if I don’t know anything about nanofabrication or have never worked in a cleanroom before?

A: No worries! The LNF staff are ready to help and can provide advice on fabrication techniques, lab safety training, as well as training on specific tools. Please get in touch with us by email [email protected] or via our inquiry webform to discuss your needs.

Q: I’m a new faculty member. How can LNF help my research?

A: Thanks for reaching out. The LNF houses about 140 state-of-the-art tools supporting a variety of micro- and nano-fabrication processes and metrology/process characterization. We have over 400 users from more than 100 research groups across multiple schools and colleges at the University of Michigan, as well as users from external academic institutions and companies. The LNF staff provide training and user support to facilitate your research. You can learn more about LNF capabilities and how to get started here. Please contact us at [email protected] if a 1-1 discussion would be beneficial.

Q: I cannot come to Ann Arbor. Can you do the process for me?

A: There are several options available to make use of LNF capabilities even if you are not able to come onsite and work in the lab yourself. Please see the Process Services page, and/or contact us at by email [email protected] to discuss details.


Current Users

Q: I’ve forgotten some of the lab policies and procedures. Where can I look them up?

A: Thanks for helping us keep the lab safe! You can find the LNF policies here: https://lnf-wiki.eecs.umich.edu/wiki/User_Resources#General_lab_policies

Q: I’ve forgotten my password to login to the LNF Online Services. How can I reset it?

A: Go to https://ssel-apps.eecs.umich.edu/login/ and click on the “set new or reset password” yellow button. Enter your LNF username and a secure code will be emailed to you, using the email address that we have on record for you. If you do not remember your LNF username or can no longer access your email address, please contact us at [email protected] 

Q: I want to use a new material in the lab. What do I need to do?

A: In order to ensure a safe working environment and consistent fabrication processes for all users, each tool has its own material restrictions, and we have specific procedures that need to be followed before you can bring new chemicals into the LNF. Details can be found here: https://lnf-wiki.eecs.umich.edu/wiki/Procedure_for_bringing_a_new_chemical_into_the_LNF 

Q: I need to use a tool I’ve never used before. What do I do?

A: If it’s a new tool on which you need to perform an existing process step, you should simply create a Helpdesk ticket for the new tool via the Scheduler and request training. Make sure to check out the wiki page for the new tool to identify the training steps. If it’s a new process step, please create a general Helpdesk ticket via the Help menu of the Online services to review the plan with the User Services Group.

Q: My process isn’t working the way it used to. Can you help?

A: We’ll do our best! If you are experiencing an issue with a single step, please create a Helpdesk ticket for this tool via the Scheduler and describe your issue. If it’s an issue with multiple steps/tools, please create a general Helpdesk ticket via the Help menu of the Online services. 

Q: I’d like to get to know other LNF users. Where should I start?

The best way is to contact the LNF User Committee at [email protected] 

Q: I’ve lost my access card/key fob. How can I get a new one?

A: You can order a replacement device through the LNF online store under Miscellaneous – Lab Security. If you need it urgently, please create a Helpdesk ticket so that we can activate it and coordinate pick up. If you have just misplaced your access device, you can order the other type (card/keyfob) so that you can then keep both devices active.

Q: I have not been in the lab for a while. Where can I find information about what has changed?

A: Check out https://lnf-wiki.eecs.umich.edu/wiki/Announcements, which includes the table of contents of all archived monthly announcements, and links to the complete files.


Current PIs and Financial Managers

Q: Where can I find information about current LNF fees?

A: Here are the tool and room rates for LNF usage, which apply to both onsite usage and process services. Staff time is typically charged for process services, not for normal support or training of onsite users.

Faculty and external user supervisors receive monthly emails summarizing their group’s LNF usage and fees. In addition, the LNF Online System provides up-to-the-minute usage reports that can be accessed by users and their supervisors. We provide instructions on how to access the Online System usage reports and other resources in the LNF wiki:

https://lnf-wiki.eecs.umich.edu/wiki/User_Resources#Usage_charges_and_financial_information If you have any questions about fees, please contact us at [email protected] 

Q: Does the LNF offer any subsidies to users or PIs?

A: Yes! The College of Engineering provides generous support for the LNF, and the LNF in turn offers subsidies to internal users and PIs. First, LNF offers a charge reduction for all new users. Second, LNF offers Faculty Incentive Accounts which are funded annually for faculty members whose spending in LNF net room and tool usage charges exceed a designated amount. Details on these subsidies can be found at https://lnf-wiki.eecs.umich.edu/wiki/User_Subsidy 

Q: Where can I find information about the LNF to use in a proposal?

A: Thanks for asking! Please see our facility description for proposals and images here: https://lnf-wiki.eecs.umich.edu/wiki/User_Resources#Information_for_proposals

Q: How much should I budget in my proposal for LNF work?

A: The cost of LNF room and tool usage varies widely depending on the number of fabrication steps required and their complexity. Very light users may have fees of less than $1,000 per year, whereas heavy users can spend $25,000 per year or even more. In addition, LNF rates are subject to annual adjustments in coordination with U-M’s Office of Financial Analysis. Thus we suggest including a 3% annual increase in your LNF budget for proposals. If you need help estimating a budget for a new process, please contact us at [email protected].

Q: I want to acknowledge the LNF in my paper or presentation. Where can I find a logo and text?

A: Logos for the LNF and a suggested acknowledgement can be found at: https://lnf-wiki.eecs.umich.edu/wiki/LNF_logos 

Q: I have some concerns or feedback. Who should I contact?

A: Please reach out to the LNF Managing Director, Dr. Sandrine Martin, [email protected], or the LNF Faculty Directory, Prof. Becky Peterson, at [email protected]

Q: Do faculty play a role in management of the LNF?

A: Yes! The LNF has a Faculty Director, currently Prof. Becky (R.L.) Peterson. In addition, the LNF Council, which consists of at least six additional faculty members, meet approximately monthly to assist the Director with strategic planning and provide guidance on LNF operations. Feedback and/or questions about LNF operation are always welcome. You can contact the LNF Director and Managing Director at [email protected] and [email protected], respectively.

Q: What does the LNF Council do?

A: The LNF Council assists the Director with strategic planning for the LNF, guides the selection of important high-impact research areas, identifies and promotes major research initiatives, develops related fabrication capabilities, and recommends policies, including lab safety, which will enhance laboratory use by the University and by industry. The LNF Council also provides guidance and recommendations concerning operations and finances, while recognizing the autonomy of the LNF Director and Managing Director in their oversight of the day-to-day management of the LNF and implementation of policies and priorities. More details about the LNF Council can be found here: https://lnf-wiki.eecs.umich.edu/wiki/LNF_Council 


Non-LNF students, potential U-M students, and members of the public

Q: I’m a member of the public, and would like to learn more about nanofabrication. What resources would you recommend?

A: There are a wealth of resources available online. Some places to start include:

Q: I’m a science teacher. Can I bring my students to the LNF?

At this time, we are unable to support in-person student visits in the LNF. We have limited scope to support virtual visits or discussions with LNF staff. Please contact us if you are interested in learning more at [email protected].

Q: I’m a U-M undergrad, or am considering the University of Michigan for my undergraduate degree. Is it possible for undergraduates to work in the LNF?

A: Yes! We hire undergraduate students (including work-study) for hourly positions. Such employees perform routine work inside and outside the cleanroom. If you are interested in such a position, please email [email protected]. In addition, many of the faculty whose groups work in the LNF take on undergraduate students into paid or for-credit research opportunities. Please contact faculty directly if you are interested in working with them on research.

Q: I’m considering the University of Michigan for graduate school. How can the LNF enable my Master’s or PhD research? 

A: The LNF is one of the leading academic cleanrooms in the world. We offer a wide variety of micro/nano-fabrication capabilities and provide professional support and training for graduate students. LNF does not directly supervise or admit graduate students. Please apply for your desired degree program at U-M, and contact faculty members whose work interests you, to see if they have opportunities for new students to work in the LNF. 

Q: Do you have job openings at the LNF? Do you have post doc opportunities?

All of our staff openings are posted at https://careers.umich.edu/search-jobs. Search for job postings with the words “Lurie” or “LNF” to identify openings affiliated with the LNF. The LNF does not hire post-doctoral researchers. If you are interested in working in the LNF as a U-M post-doc, please contact U-M faculty directly to inquire about openings in their research groups.