The Nanoscale Characterization Facility (NCF) cleanroom is located in Simon Hall 026. The cleanroom is a 1300-ft² controlled environment designated for the manufacture and characterization of devices with nanometer dimensions. The geometric scale of the features fabricated in the cleanroom requires tight control of sub-micron airborne contamination to levels specified for a Class 1000 environment (classification per Federal Standard 209E).
A Class 1000 designation indicates that the cleanroom was built to never allow more than 1000 particles (size 0.5 µm or larger) per cubic foot of air. Effective airborne contamination control of the cleanroom environment is achieved by simultaneously controlling and monitoring:
- Airflow and air direction.
- Temperature and humidity.
- Training of cleanroom users.
- Strict observation of cleanroom protocol.
- Periodic cleaning of cleanroom floor and walls.
- Immediate clean-up of spills, flakes and other debris generated during normal use of the cleanroom and cleanroom instruments.
The gowning area is a Class 10000 environment (i.e., there are no more than 10000 particles size 0.5 µm or larger per cubic foot of air).
The support and maintenance areas (500 ft²) are located in rooms 026A and 028. These areas have no classification.
Contact us for training, cleanroom access authorization or any additional questions.