Research facility
AMOLF Nanolab Amsterdam
AMOLF NanoLab Amsterdam is a facility for materials fabrication and characterization down to the nanometer scale. It aims to provide state-of-the art opportunities in nano research, servicing the scientific and engineering community within the greater Amsterdam area.
Introduction
About
The AMOLF NanoLab Amsterdam is a partner in NanoLabNL, the Dutch national facility for nanotechnology research that provides a full-service and open-access infrastructure for R&D in nanotechnology. It provides a range of techniques for lithography, deposition, etching, and characterization, and is geared towards the fields of metamaterials, nanophotonics, quantum science and technology, and energy research. It acts as an open facility, with regional users including the University of Amsterdam, VU University Amsterdam, Utrecht University, ARCNL, and a number of industrial partners. Please contact us if you are interested in using the facilities for academic or industrial purposes.
A grand future with small nanostructures. Nanotechnology impacts many aspects of our lives. The Netherlands is a leading player in this exciting field. Key to safeguard this position is to keep engaging talent and develop our infrastructure network, organized in NanoLabNL. Meet AMOLF Nanolab Amsterdam, member of NanoLabNL.
Equipment Information & Rules
AMOLF NanoLab Amsterdam includes an ISO class 5 cleanroom with facilities for optical- and electron beam lithography and plasma etching, a facility for thin film deposition, and innovative optical tools for nanofabrication, manipulation and analysis.
Researchers have access to a wide range of fabrication and inspection techniques in cleanroom environments, such as: Electron Beam Lithography, NUV lithography, two-photon lithography, FIB milling/deposition, EBID, reactive ion etching, thin film deposition, rapid thermal annealing, FE-SEM, EDX, Cathode luminescence, AFM, STM, surface profiling, spectroscopic ellipsometry, optical microscopy.
Electron microscopes
Etching
Lithography
Material characterisation
Sample preparation
Thin film deposition
- ALD
- E-Flex
- ICPCVD
- Leica DC sputter coater
- S-Flex
- Smurf
- Spin coater CEE Apogee
- Spin coater POLOS 200i
- Vapour coater
General rules
- Wear shoe covers, a cleanroom coat and a hairnet (available in the dressing area).
- Closed-toe shoes and long trousers are mandatory.
- Always wear gloves.
- Safety glasses are mandatory in the wet bench area.
Do not
- Use pencils.
- Bring paper into the cleanroom (except your notebook).
- Place your notebook inside any wet bench.
- Run in the cleanroom.
- Wear headphones or earbuds.
Report immediately to a staff member
- Incidents, accidents, errors or mistakes.
- Low or empty stock.
- Full waste containers.
Equipment
- Equipment may only be used after completing the required training and receiving permission from the cleanroom staff.
- Do not perform new or unfamiliar procedures on equipment without first consulting a staff member.
- Always reserve the equipment you intend to use, even for a short period or outside regular working hours.
Working with chemicals
- Before working with chemicals, you must properly prepare your work and follow the relevant Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).
- Chemicals may only be used during normal working hours unless otherwise agreed.
- Familiarise yourself with the Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS), disposal procedures and emergency procedures before use.
- Internal users are required to pass a chemical safety exam.
- Certain chemicals, mixtures and solutions (e.g. hydrofluoric acid, Piranha solution and strong acids or bases) require additional training and may not be used without authorisation.
- Ask permission from the cleanroom staff before bringing samples or chemicals (especially powders) into the cleanroom.
Before leaving
- Clean your workspace before leaving the cleanroom.
Service fees
We use the rates and regulations of NanoLabNL. Different rates may apply for certain equipment.
| Cost item (per person) | Public user (€) | Private user (€) |
|---|---|---|
| Tariff per day | 680 | 1,480 |
| Tariff per hour | 85 | 185 |
- Public rate: Users from public research communities in the Netherlands e.g. STW, NWO, Universities etc.
- Private rate: Other users, private parties.
How to book equipment
Basic rules regarding booking of equipment
- Read the “Basic rules of the NanoLab Amsterdam” found at the top of this page
- Only those who have been instructed in the use of a particular tool by staff are allowed to book it
- The reservation period should cover the entire time you occupy a tool
- Equipment administrators reserve the right to modify/cancel reservations
- Monopolizing equipment will not be appreciated
- Do not book more than 2 weeks in advance
Step 1 – Contact the NanoLab
If you are planning to use the NanoLab, please contact the cleanroom staff using the form below to discuss your project.
Step 2 – Create a NanoLab Information System (NIS) account
Register for an account in the NanoLab Information System (NIS):
During registration you will need:
- a project number from your organisation;
- a separate project number for each organisation you work with (if applicable).
After registration you will receive access to the equipment for which you have completed the required training.
Step 3 – Registration instructions
Select the guide that matches your situation.
- Internal AMOLF users (add link)
- ARCNL users (add link)
- External users (add link)
If your organisation is not yet listed in the NIS, please contact the cleanroom staff before registering.
Step 4 – Submit your project
After creating your account, send us:
- confirmation that your NIS account has been created;
- a short description of your fabrication or characterisation project.
(Project template)
Step 5 – Intake
We’ll invite you for an intake meeting to discuss:
- your project;
- required equipment;
- required training;
- planning of cleanroom sessions.
Contact
Nanolab Related news
Meet the NanoLab Team
The NanoLab team is available to provide training, technical support and guidance throughout your project.
