Facilities

Major Research Facilities

Lab pictures

Fluke Hall move in

Fig. 1, New resident in Fluke Hall (Jan. 6, 2009)

Lab Location:

The UW Nanomech Lab research activities are mainly carried out in our two laboratories located in Fluke Hall and Engineering Annex. Some current existing state-of-the-art equipment and capabilities in the lab are introduced here. New expanding capacities are coming to the lab soon. If you are interested in a visit, locations of our labs can be found on the campus map.

Lab #1 (Fluke 239): biological and nanoscale material synthesis and characterization facilities
Lab Phone: (206)543-8825
Lab #2 (Engineering Annex 101-4): high power laser systems and SHPB system for dynamic and ultra-high strain rate material research

Nikon Microscope

Fig. 2, Nikon Optical Microscope

Lab Safety and Training:

UW EH&S - UW Environmental Health and Safety for all lab safety training and services.
MyChem - an online chemical inventory system for the identity, location, amount, and hazard information (MSDSs) for all chemicals at UW.
Laser safety training
Lab equipment operation quick references (Note: Strict safety and technical training is required prior to operating most of these lab equipment): Nanoindenter, Sputtering system, Leopard laser, Innova laser, Tempest laser, SHPB system, Microscope, Automatic polisher, Liveco micro material tester,Spectrum Analyzer, Lecroy oscilloscope

Fig. 3, Magnetron Sputtering System

Lab Capabilities:

Atomic scale thin film deposition
Chemical synthesis of nanoporous materials and coatings
Sample preparation: cutting, polishing, milling
MEMS device design and fabrication
Nano and micro scale mechanical characterization: Indentation, scratching, Young's modulus, hardness, fracture toughness of thin films, nanostructures and bulk materials
Quasi-static and dynamic compression, tension, bending, and fatigue testing of thin films and coatings, soft and hard materials
Mode-dependent thin Film interface adhesion measurement using laser-induced stress waves
Optics and ultrasonic based chemical and biological sensing, cell adhesion testing
ultra-high strain rate material testing: thin film and bulk materials

Fig. 4, Class II Biological Hood

Lab Facilities:

Thin Film Deposition and Nanomaterials Synthesis

Magnetron Sputtering Thin Film Deposition System (Fig. 3, left)
Autoclave, Oven, and Hot stage
Electro-deposition

Sample Preparation

Buehler automated mechanical polisher
Low-speed diamond saw, milling machine
Ultrasonic cleaner and sample dryer
2-speed chemical hood
Class II Biological safety hood (Fig. 4, left)

Fig. 5, Nanoindenter

Micro and Nano Scale Materials Characterization

Hysitron Ubi1 nanomechanical test instrument (nanoindenter) (Fig. 5, left)
Liveco micro material tester ( for thin films and coatings, tissue and soft materials)
Nikon MEL600 Optical Microscope with spot-cooled CCD camera (Fig. 2, left)
Tektronix oscilloscopes (100-250 MHz)
Real-time surface curvature sensor system (self-invented and assembled)
HP Spectrum Analyzer