MUMMS & CORAL

Registering as a user for MIT.nano requires creating an account in two related systems for billing (MUMMS) and reservations (CORAL).

About MUMMS

You must create an account in the MIT.nano & MTL User Machine Management System (MUMMS) before you can reserve instrument time with CORAL (described below).

MUMMS is a web-based application that manages MIT.nano user accounts and permissions. Creating a MUMMS account is the first step to become an MIT.nano user because the system tracks your completion of safety training requirements and your account number for billing.

Login/register for MIT.nano & MTL MUMMS.

Questions about MUMMS? Read the MUMMS wiki.

About CORAL

CORAL—Common Object Representation for Advanced Laboratories—is a suite of software tools designed to help with the management and operations of labs such as MIT.nano. In order to use CORAL, you must first be a registered user in MUMMS. See above.

Go to CORAL when you want to:

  • Reserve a tool or instrument
  • Review and delete reservations
  • Log instrument use
  • Report instrument problems
  • View instrument status

When in the lab, instructions will be given on how to log in and how to utilize tools and instruments. You can also download a remote version of CORAL on your own computer so you can log in and reserve tools and instruments.

Using CORAL within FAB.nano

Without CORAL, a user cannot work in the MIT.nano fabrication facilities. You must have an approved MIT.nano account and have completed all the training requirements for your Fab.nano services in order to use CORAL.

The system has a mechanism that will only allow trained users to operate any particular piece of equipment based on a qualification process. We utilize CORAL at the site of specific tools and instruments to enable a user to engage/disengage with the equipment. Users of Fab.nano may also make use of CORAL to collect data for each process run and track maintenance records. 

Installing CORAL

Remote CORAL is a version of CORAL that can be used from anywhere using a web browser that supports Java Web Start. To make it easier on users, there is a Remote CORAL bundle for Windows that you can download and install onto your computer to run Remote CORAL. These versions do not require you to use a web browser or additional downloads. Please see the CORAL install documentation for more details.

Learn how to install Remote CORAL.

Running CORAL

  1. The first time you run Remote CORAL, you may encounter a box about security approval. Make sure "always trust content from this publisher" is checked and then choose "run".
  2. On the next screen, make sure "remember this option" is selected and then click "proceed".
  3. Use your MUMMS username and password to login.

Running CORAL from a web browser

If you are having trouble running Remote CORAL on your computer, you can try running CORAL from within your local web browser. Open the CORAL login window. From here, you can use the CORAL client as you normally would. When you are done using CORAL and exit the client, you will be shown a screen stating "session ended" with a button stating "new session." If you would like to run CORAL again, click on this button or simply close your browser window/tab.

CORAL Reporting

The reporting application provides various reports for viewing data from the CORAL system. Registered CORAL users can access this application at https://nanolms.mit.edu/reporting.

Problems or questions?

If you are using Remote CORAL, you may receive the message "unable to connect to admin mgr." This most likely means you have a firewall issue. Remote CORAL uses the IIOP protocol and most ISPs will support it. However, there are some ISPs with stricter firewall rules that do not allow IIOP traffic. Additionally, if you have a personal firewall installed on your remote computer or a router with a built-in firewall, this may present the same problems and you'll need to configure them to allow Remote CORAL to operate correctly. Please contact the CORAL team for assistance at coral-problems@mtl.mit.edu.

If a tool is malfunctioning, report the problem in CORAL. This will notify all staff, ensuring the timely repairs. Visit the how-to guide to learn how to report problems in CORAL.