Research Cores
Bio Services
- Service lab for biological and soft materials
- In-house negative staining for viruses, bacteria, proteins, polymers, nanoparticles, etc.
- SEM preparation for biological materials, with custom SEM prep available
- Full embedding and microtoming services, including cryo-ultramicrotomy
- Experience with preparing biological samples using fixative
- Cryo TEM: sample preparation and analysis
MRL Carver BioMaker Laboratory
- GEMSIM 2.1 Nanoplotter NP2.1 with attachments for robotic, nano-liter controlled spotting of cells
- Cellink Bio X 3D printer for multiple-injection
- CADworks microfluidics printer with attachments
- MTI electrospinning system with 3 collector and temperature/humidity control for fiber production
- Beckman Optima LE-80K ultracentrifuge with rotors
- MFP-3D-Bio Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) this system includes the Olympus IX71 inverted optical fluorescence microscope for direct imaging of sample areas of interest.
- Zeiss Fluorescence Confocal LSM7 microscope
- Zeiss Axiovert
MRL Battery Fabrication and Characterization Lab
The Battery Lab at MRL provides primarily the fabrication, processing, and characterization of Lithium-ion batteries. It has all the facilities to fabricate pouch cells and coin cells in the laboratory scale, including their complete electrochemical characterizations at room temperature.
AMTEL (Advanced Materials Testing and Evaluation Laboratory)
The Advanced Materials Testing and Evaluation Laboratory is a state-of-the-art facility for mechanical testing of coupon specimens to determine baseline engineering properties, conduct sophisticated biaxial testing, and perform full field optical stress analysis.
The lab includes test frames with a range of tension-tension and tension-torsion loading at rates appropriate for creep testing up to high cycle fatigue analysis. Each of these machines can additionally be coupled with a broad range of temperature control capabilities.
Machine capacities vary from 500 Newtons to 400 kilonewtons for sample dimensions ranging from microns to centimeters. In conjuction with these servohydraulic and screw driven load frames, AMTEL has developed a state-of-the-art optical stress analysis lab with modern tools for Digital Image Correlation (DIC), Photoelastic Stress Analysis (PSA), Thermoelastic Stress Analysis (TSA) as well as Thermography capabilities for nondestructive testing. Metallic, polymer, semiconductor, biological, ceramic, and composite samples can be tested to study the fatigue, creep and fracture behavior of materials and components.
MRL Photomask Fabrication Facility
Location: 388 Materials Research Laboratory
The MRL cleanroom extends photomask fabrication services to academic and industry users alike. These masks are suitable for direct-contact photolithography employing Mask aligners such as the EVG 6200 TB, Karl Suss MJB4, etc. The MRL has a Heidelberg MLA 150 laser writer for making photomasks. Below are examples of bright-field and dark-field photomask plates fabricated at MRL:
Dark-field photo mask
Bright-field photo mask
Should you require a mask, there are two distinct options at your disposal:
1. You can submit your design file for the MRL staff to fabricate the mask on your behalf.
2. Alternatively, you can train to utilize the Heidelberg MLA 150 laser writer tool and receive mask fabrication training to create your own masks.
Below outlines the Photomask fabrication policy at MRL:
- To request photomasks, please contact photomasks@mrl.illinois.edu
- Each submission corresponds to one mask. For multi-layer designs, each layer requires a separate submission.
- Accepted file formats include CIF and GDS II only. For other file formats or design-related issues, please consult with us before sending the design file.
- Users have the option to request design creation as well, but it’s essential to factor in extra time for this request.
- The minimum feature size is 1µm.
- Available plates range from 3″ to 5″ Chrome Soda-Lime glass Mask plates.
- Turnaround time depends on the queue, typically taking about 3 business days to complete after file submission. Please allow a minimum of 2 business days for shipping.
|
2024 Mask Services Prices (*) |
UIUC |
External academic institutions |
Industry |
|
3" x 3" mask (Cr-coated soda lime plate) |
$110 |
$160 |
$320 |
|
5"x 5" mask (Cr-coated soda lime plate) |
$120 |
$170 |
$330 |
| 4" x 4" mask (Cr-coated fused silica plate) | $260 | $300 | $470 |
|
(*) our prices include all fees, raw material, and shipping to outside customers |
|||
Photomask Fabrication Online Payments
Lab location:
Room 388 Materials Research Laboratory
Staff Contact:
Primary contact:
Dr. Mrinal Kanti Hota
hotamk@illinois.edu
Room# MRL 380
Secondary contact:
Dr. Mauro Sardela
sardela@illinois.edu
Room# MRL SC 2014