PI Dashboard

This page aims at collecting key information relevant to Principal Investigators using (or interested in) the LNF.

Getting Started in the LNF

The LNF offers two main modes of usage. In the primary mode of operation, individual researchers (students, post docs, scientists...) can be trained as independent users and use the LNF with the support of staff members. Each new user is assigned an LNF mentor, who will train them on the tools and processes needed for the project. LNF mentors also review the project and process plans as part of the initial access discussions and make recommendations - both before and during the project - as needed to be as efficient as possible. LNF mentors can be senior users in the same research group as the new user, or LNF staff members, as is most appropriate. Training is not charged separately, it is included in the normal lab usage fees and is typically done as the project progresses. There is no added cost for staff mentoring up to 20h of staff time, which we have found is sufficient for most projects.

Alternatively, for a fee, LNF staff members can perform nanofabrication process services based on your specifications. This option is typically used for established processes and fabrication steps, and is subject to availability of staff and tool resources. All process service work is done on a best-efforts basis and the LNF cannot guarantee a particular device or project result.
In addition, it is also possible to work with external contractors who perform micro/nanofabrication work as a service. These consultants are not affiliated with the LNF, but are authorized, experienced users of the facility who accept contract work for fabrication projects.

There are several steps required to gain onsite access to the LNF. The exact procedure and required documents depend on whether you are an internal user from U-M, an external user from another academic institution, or an external user from a non-academic institution. If you are starting a new project or are part of a research group or company that hasn’t used LNF before, please contact us at info@LNF.umich.edu to discuss your research project and processing needs before starting the steps listed at https://lnf.umich.edu/getting-access/.

Most Recent "Update Essentials" Emails from LNF Directors

These bi-monthly newsletters provide key information for LNF faculty and PIs. LNF individual users (students, post-doc, researchers) receive our more detailed “LNF Monthly Updates”, which are archived here. If you are a PI with users who have access to the LNF, you will automatically receive these newsletter, but otherwise, if you wish to be added to the distribution list, please reach out to Sandrine Martin, LNF managing director sandrine@umich.edu.

Capabilities and Recent Additions

Here are a few recent additions to the LNF toolset. Our complete capabilities are described in a dedicated section of the wiki and the complete LNF equipment list is available here.

Financial Information

The current fee schedules are available at the following links for internal users, external academic users and non-academic and foreign users.
Additional information is provided below about the detailed billing procedure for internal users whose fees are charged to a U-M shortcode, and available charge reduction programs.

Information and Material for Proposals

Links to Online Platforms

LNF wiki
LNF Online Services, which requires LNF-specific login

Still have questions? Need something else?

Sandrine Martin, LNF managing director sandrine@umich.edu
Becky Peterson, LNF director blpeters@umich.edu
LNF Council, LNF-council@umich.edu (please note that this email address does not include the LNF director or managing director}