Frequently Asked Questions

Getting & Maintaining Access

How do I get started?

• For access to the QNF, see this page
• To use the SEM within QNF Bay 6, reach out to Jamie Ford and Nicole Bohn for approval.
• For tools outside of the cleanroom, follow the instructions listed here.

How do I use NEMO?

Please see this page for more information

Why is NEMO not working for me?

Follow the instructions for common issues here

What if I have a new project to add to NEMO?

Re-submit the access form following the instructions here

My PennCard doesn't open the door!

If a new external user, main Singh Center access will be added when you are granted access to QNF, NCF or SLPF.

If you recently gained approval for facility access, it usually takes 48 business hours for Public Safety to update your access. If it has been >4 days, make certain that you have completed all steps to get facility access approved and then contact the respective facility staff.

If it only works 9a-5pm, you likely have been set up with undergrad limited access. If this should not apply to you, contact the respective facility staff. Undergrads may request extended 24hr lab access, which is left to facility director discretion.

If you have lost access, check if your PennCard is expired. If so, you will need a new PennCard before access is restored. If still active, contact Barry Derish with your name and PennCard number.

How do I renew my Penncard?

Contact admin@nano.upenn.edu

I get an error when I try to set up my Pennkey!

You should have a setup code that you will need to create the Pennkey. You may also receive a 9-digit identification number in a separate email or document. If you do, use the last 4 digits of that number where they ask for the last 4 of your SSN.

Using the Cleanroom

How do I join the QNF Open Forum?

Please see this page for more information on the QNF Open Forum.

What is the dress code?

Due to safety requirements, exposed skin must be limited and clothes should provide sufficient barrier to chemical contact.

• Shirt
  • Must completely cover your shoulders and torso (e.g., a short-sleeved shirt long enough to reach your pants)
    • Not Allowed: includes tank tops or spaghetti straps, crop tops, mesh tops
• Pants
  • Must be full-length, completely covering your legs from waist to ankle
    • Not Allowed: includes shorts, cropped pants, overly baggy pants, tights, leggings
• Skirts/Dresses
  • Permitted only if acceptable pants are worn underneath and the cleanroom suit can be put on without limiting mobility
• Shoes
  • Must cover all parts of your foot below the ankle (e.g., closed-toe, enclosed heel, covered top of the foot)
    • Not allowed: includes Crocs, Birkenstocks, sandals, ballet flats
  • Must be able to safely fit and be used underneath the cleanroom boots
    • Not allowed: includes heels greater than 1 inch, heavy boots

What can I bring into the cleanroom with me?

• Phones, tablets, laptops and cameras may be brought in as long as they can be thoroughly wiped down.
• Cleanroom notebooks can be purchased from the stockroom. Regular notebooks and printing paper are not allowed.
• Containers must be able to be wiped down. No cardboard, wood, or foam is allowed, including any crates, shipping boxes or carrying cases.

70% IPA/30% DI H2O solution and wipes are provided in the gowning room. If you have any items not listed here and are unsure if they can be brought into the cleanroom, contact QNF Staff.

How can I get a locker to store my coat, backpack, etc while using the cleanroom?

To get a locker, see Barry Derish in Singh 220.

Availability is limited, so if your group's lab is located in Singh or LRSM, please store your items there instead.

Do not leave your personal items in the gowning room.

How do I use the lockers?

Please refer to this video from Master.

What if I forgot to badge out?

If you are still in the building, go to the gowning room and badge out. Otherwise, email QNF staff and ask to be logged out.

If you need to correct the billing, in NEMO go to Requests -> Adjustment Requests and select the New Request button.

Stockroom

How do I place an order?

In NEMO, click on the Stockroom icon. Choose the item and 'Add to Order'. Press 'Order' to submit. See this page for more information

Who do I contact with questions?

Please reach out to Feaz

How soon will an order be fulfilled?

Orders placed before 10pm should be available by the end of the next business day.

Where do I pick up my items?

Resists and process chemicals will be located in proper chemical storage. Other items will be in an amber box across from the Bay 6 entrance or in the designated location for your group.
Note: If you order wafers or mask blanks, you need to also order the appropriate holders or provide your own. If you are providing your own, email Feaz where they are stored.

Tool Access

How do I get approval for a new process on a tool?

Contact the tool owner. If the process involves multiple tools in the QNF, consider scheduling an appointment at the Open Forum.

How do I find the tool owner?

Refer to the Details tab on the NEMO Tool Control page. For help navigating the page, see NEMO Help

How do I get training on a tool?

In NEMO, go to Training to see upcoming training sessions and/or submit a request. See this page for more information.

Please make sure to request training once you need the tool for your process and are ready to start this next step of your fabrication. This way you can quickly reinforce the information you learn in the training session.

Note: Some tools in QNF require area access before training requests can be submitted, so those tools will not be available in the dropdown until all onboarding steps are completed and your NEMO account is updated.

Do I need to bring my own materials to a training session?

This will depend on the particular tool, the trainer, and the number of session participants. Follow up with your trainer if this is not provided in the training session information.

How do I figure out if the a tool is operational?

In NEMO, go to Status Dashboard/Tool Status & Usage, or check the Tool Control page for the tool.

Why did I lose access to a tool and how do I get it back?

If you lost access to a tool, it means your qualification either expired or was revoked. Contact the tool owner for assistance.

Why am I not able to reserve any tools on NEMO even though I'm qualified? It says I need to do a tutorial.

Have you taken the NEMO tutorial? If not, go to the home page for NEMO and click on the banner to complete it. See this page for more information

Safety

How do I bring a new chemical into QNF?

You need to send all relevant information including, material, quantity, container type, waste disposal information, and SDS forms to the QNF Process Group. It's a legal requirement for all chemicals in the lab to have an SDS on record. Once staff has that information and the chemical is approved, you can work with Eric Johnston or David Barth to schedule a time to bring them in.

What if I find a situation that seems unsafe?

In case of a fire or medical emergency, call 511 from a campus phone or 215-573-3333 from any phone to reach Penn emergency services dispatch.
For other urgent matters involving chemicals, call EHRS at 215-898-4453. Additional emergency information can be found here.

For any safety concerns that require attention but are NOT urgent, go to the Safety page in NEMO and follow the instructions to fill out the reporting form.

Other

What are the tool and lab fees?

You can see the tool and lab fees here

How do acknowledge the Singh Center in my publications?

Since the Singh Center is an NNCI member (Grant NNCI-1542153), you may use this text:

"This work was performed at the Singh Center for Nanotechnology at the University of Pennsylvania, a member of the National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure (NNCI) network, which is supported by the National Science Foundation (Grant NNCI-1542153)."

What is the deal with parking on Penn's campus?

You can find a list of public lots on campus here

Street parking is also available. It tends to free up around mid afternoon. Parking apps such as meterUP and ParkMobile are accepted.

What do I need to know about filming in the Singh Center?

Photographers need to be aware of their surroundings at all times. At no time should photographers interfere with or distract the researchers performing their work!

Written permission for use of photos must be obtained from anyone whose face may be visible.

In the cleanroom

• Photo shoots must be scheduled several business days in advance with QNF Staff
• For cleanroom entry, photographers must adhere to our dress code and material restrictions (see above under Using the Cleanroom)
• Entry/exit for the cleanroom must be coordinated with Staff. Staff will assist with proper gowning.
• No flash photography is allowed due to light sensitive work being performed, and flash detection sensors used for fire suppression systems
• Pictures taken at chemical wet benches should be taken at a safe distance with a zoom lens to avoid contact with hazardous chemicals
• Bay 3 (Wet Processing) is off-limits as it contains the most dangerous chemicals in the lab and requires special PPE