Past Events

This lecture is intended for people who want to become independent self-user of the small or wide angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) instrument in the MRL X-Ray Lab.  SAXS describes the analysis of any sample that has nanostructured (1-100nm) electron density fluctuations -- i.e., nanoparticles in solution, block co-polymers, ionic liquids, soft matter, etc. Typically nanoscale electron density variations arise as structured (nanoscale object in a lattice), unstructured (in solution), or oriented (fiber or affixed to substrate) therefore treatment of each type of sample is on a case by case basis.  

Students must also attend SAXSLAB instrument specific training course to learn how to put the knowledge obtained in the lecture to practice.

This lecture will survey the fundamentals of small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), focusing on the bare essentials required to productively collect and analyze SAXS data.  In addition to theory, this lecture will cover practical considerations such as common sources of error and a guide to structural interpretation and justification using SAXS patterns.

This group training event will focus on the basic theory and operation of the Bruker Dektak DXT-A Stylus Profilometer 
Users will learn about specifics of the instrument capabilities and strategies for data collection and data quality improvement. Users can bring their own (non-hazardous) samples for this training. We will work together until we are both comfortable with your safe and successful operation of the instrument in a shared facility environment. This is usually one session <2hours. Full independent tool access will be granted upon completion of this training session.
 

Active MIT.nano user account is required to participate in this training. Please setup an account prior to registering for the training event. 

This training event will focus on the basic imaging and operation of the Bruker Icon AFM available at MIT.nano Characterization Facilities. Starting from the basic principles of AFM, users will also learn about cantilever selection and installation, different imaging modes, image quality improvement, and data processing and analysis methods. Users can bring their own samples for this training and SPM probes are provided. Notice, users must supply their own probes for followup qualification sessions. Full independent tool access will be granted upon completion of 2 additional one-on-one supervised use sessions that will be coordinated with the staff member during this small group training.

The Icon XR has many SPM modes including contact and PeakForce tapping mode with ScanAsyst, Magnetic Force Microscopy, Piezo Force Microscopy, conducting atomic force microscopy (AFM). There are also additional features such as electrical characterization from 80 fA to 1 uA with 10 nm spatial resolution, Kelvin Force Probe Microscopy with amplitude or frequency feedback, and pixel-by-pixel quantitative force characterization to probe material properties. Following the basic training session, users can coordinate an advanced mode specific training with the MIT.nano staff.

Active MIT.nano user account is required to participate in this training. Please setup an account prior to registering for the training event. 

The Wet Chemical Process Training provides an introduction for all work with liquid chemicals in Fab.nano. Completion is required for any use of fume hoods or wet benches (including solvents, hands-on training for spin coaters, corrosive hoods and wet benches).

The training is also a prerequisite for 24-hour access to the Fab.nano facility, as it provides the relevant safety foundations.

This instrument training will teach users how to use the Multiwire Back-Reflection Laue Diffractometer to determine the orientation of single crystals and to determine if single crystals are possibly twinned.

Active MIT.nano user account is required to participate in this training. Please setup an account prior to registering for the training event. 

This group training event will focus on the basic theory and operation of the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer 
Users will learn about specifics of the instrument configurations, available accessories and strategies for data collection and data quality improvement. Users can bring their own (non-hazardous) samples for this training in whatever form is convenient. We will work together until we are both comfortable with your safe and successful operation of the instrument in a shared facility environment. This is usually one session <2hours. Full independent tool access will be granted upon completion of this training session.
 

Active MIT.nano user account is required to participate in this training. Please setup an account prior to registering for the training event. 

This course will consist of a lecture teaching the basic principals of XRF analysis and hands-on training how to use the handheld XRF spectrometer and data analysis software to determine the elemental composition of samples.

Active MIT.nano user account is required to participate in this training. Please setup an account prior to registering for the training event. 

All users without previous cleanroom work experience are required to take the quick-start training. Waivers for prior experience will be handled during the Fab.nano orientation.

The quick-start provides hands-on training to new users, by following through a simple 1-mask process in a small group. You will gain familiarity with entering the lab, handling samples, learn about deposition, lithography and etch tools, and how to verify process results.

An active MIT.nano user account is required to participate in this training. Please setup an account prior to registering for the training event.

Because we are working in the lab, please wear long pants and full shoes

Please have the Fab.nano Orientation completed before the quick-start event.

The orientation consists of a series of self-paced videos to watch, and a 30-minute check-in over zoom, where we provide an introduction, answer questions about the lab & capabilities and how to get started, and check for any missing trainings. All cleanroom and packaging space users need to complete the orientation before card access can be granted.

Users with no prior cleanroom experience also take a half-day “quick-start” class, which provides a hands-on experience in core methods (deposition, lithography, etch). Users with prior cleanroom experience will receive a waiver during the orientation check-in. If you only need to use the packaging space (and not the cleanroom), the quick-start is not needed.

Registering for the orientation, you will get a chance to describe your general fabrication needs, helping us better understand each user’s goals and expectations. The registration form also contains a checklist to help you spot any missing EHS trainings.

After registering, you will get an email with a link to the videos to watch, and the zoom link to the orientation event.