60NANB24D160

Purpose: The proposal aims to upgrade key instruments such as the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Ion Beam Etching (IBE) machine at the Washington Nanofabrication Facility (WNF).

With hundreds of users from academia and government labs utilizing the facility for over 30,000 hours annually, these upgrades would significantly enhance the center's capacity and capabilities.

For instance, the new IBE machine would enable the creation of more anisotropic and directional structures, while the upgraded SEM could handle larger wafers for evaluation.

Many current tools at WNF are outdated and fail to meet the specifications required for advanced nanofabrication.

Enhancing these foundational tools supports users nationwide in their research and development efforts.

Activities to be performed: The project narrative outlines upgrading essential instruments at the Washington Nanofabrication Facility (WNF) to advance research in semiconductors, quantum systems, and bio-nano interfaces.

This initiative aims to replace outdated tools with state-of-the-art equipment, supporting cutting-edge innovation, workforce training, and economic development locally and nationally.

Expected outcomes: The impact of upgrading instruments at the Washington Nanofabrication Facility (WNF) is multifaceted.

It enhances research capabilities in critical areas like semiconductor technology, quantum systems, and bio-nano interfaces, fostering breakthroughs that can advance fields such as medicine, renewable energy, and communication technologies.

By providing state-of-the-art tools, the WNF supports comprehensive workforce development, offering valuable hands-on training to students and professionals.

Moreover, the upgrades strengthen collaborations with industry and government partners, stimulating economic growth and reinforcing the facility's role as a national leader in nanotechnology research and innovation.

Intended beneficiaries:

I) By enhancing infrastructure, this project supports cutting-edge research across various disciplines including nanotechnology, bioengineering, and renewable energy.

The advanced tools not only facilitate complex research processes but also provide invaluable training opportunities for over 100 students annually.

WNF's cleanroom environment supports a diverse workforce from 35 businesses, contributing significantly to the region's economic and technological competitiveness.

II) Evaluation will be tracked through increased equipment usage, reduced maintenance time, and user satisfaction surveys, aiming to quantify the project's long-term educational and economic impacts.

Subrecipient activities: The recipient does not intend to subaward funds.

University Of Washington

NOT APPLICABLE

11.617 - Congressionally-Identified Projects

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) [DOC]

Seattle, Washington 98195-1016 United States

Single Zip Code

2024-NIST-RFA-CIPP-0