Frequently Asked Questions
Getting & Maintaining Access
How do I get started?
- For access to the QNF, please see this webpage
- To use the SEM within QNF Bay 6, please reach out to Jamie Ford and Nicole Bohn for approval.
- For tools outside of the cleanroom, please reach out to the specific facility director for project approval.
Why am I not able to access NEMO?
The access request form may not be completed.
If you have already filled this out, contact admin@nano.upenn.edu for more information.
Why does my project not show up anymore in NEMO?
Your project may be expired. Contact admin@nano.upenn.edu
What if I have a new project to add to NEMO?
Contact admin@nano.upenn.edu
What if I need to get a new Penncard?
Contact admin@nano.upenn.edu
Using the Cleanroom
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
- Must completely cover your shoulders and torso (e.g., a short-sleeved shirt long enough to reach your pants)
- Pants
- Must be full-length, completely covering your legs from waist to ankle
- Not Allowed: includes shorts, cropped pants, overly baggy pants, tights, leggings
- Must be full-length, completely covering your legs from waist to ankle
- 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
- Must cover all parts of your foot below the ankle (e.g., closed-toe, enclosed heel, covered top of the foot)
What can I bring into the cleanroom with me?
Phones, tablets and laptops 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.
Where do I put 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.
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
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.
Tool Access
How do I get approval for a new process on a tool?
Contact the tool owner. If the process involves multiple tools, consider scheduling an appointment at the Open Forum.
How do I find the tool owner?
Refer to the QNF Equipment Owner Matrix, or check the NEMO Tool Control>Details page.
How do I get training on a tool?
In NEMO, go to Training to submit a request.
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.
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?
Have you taken the NEMO tutorial? If not, go to the home page for NEMO and click on the banner to complete it.
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 NEMO, click on the Safety icon and follow the instructions.
Other
How do acknowledge the Singh Center in my publications?
Since this 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)."