Yes definitely, this will vary depending on the tool and the type of technique. Please contact staff for details. 

Once you are a member of MCF, you will be able to login to SUMS and request training for a tool.  You can request training on multiple tools at a time. Once the trainer receives the request, he/she will set up a group training class. You will then have to sign up for the class in SUMS. It can take anywhere from couple of days to two weeks to set up a training session (depending on the availability of user, tool and staff). 

Yes, training is $22/hr for academic/government users and $44/hr for external users.

The training requirement for each equipment is different. The group sessions are usually anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Some tools may require multiple sessions. The trainer will guide you during the first session.

Yes! The Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for each tool can be found on its SUMS page under the Training/Tutorials/Videos tab under the Tool Files link.

No, users are required to pass a hands-on test in order to get access to the tool. This session is called a “Check Off”. The user can get in touch with the trainer to schedule a check off. He/she will also be able to request Check Off for a tool in SUMS. 

Yes, users will be able to set up one on one hands on practice sessions with the trainer. It is recommended you bring your samples, as the staff can assist you accordingly. You will be charged the training cost that is $22/hr for academic/government users and $44/hr for external users.

MCF has multi-user license for some software and some are single user license only. The staff can guide you through it.  Some of the offline analysis software are available in the computer lab in the Marcus facility (open 24/7 for users). 

We help, assist and guide you with sample preparation. The MCF has a fully equipped prep lab, with fume hood, vacuum ovens, hot plates, balance, ultrasonic bath, carbon coater, Au/Pd Sputter coater, UV-Ozone cleaners, IR heat lamp, refrigerator/ freezer, solvents etc. and all basic lab supplies. 

Once you have passed the “Check Off”, the staff will grant you authorization (in SUMS) to use the equipment. You will be able to reserve, modify, delete time in the SUMS equipment page.

All our tools are available 24/7, 365 days; and can be reserved to use any time. Some of the heavily used tools have a time limit (like 2 or 3 hours at a time). All users can reserve time on multiple tools and up to 7 days in advance. Some tools are very busy and will require advance scheduling. Please remember to delete any scheduled time that you will not use.

Every time you use a tool, you will have to login to an Access Controller (with your GT buzz card). This way SUMS will keep track of your actual usage and bill you for the logged time only (and not scheduled time). You can always use SUMS to login and log out of a tool. 

If you forget to log out, you will be able to dispute your charges in SUMS. The staff can also help you with it. 

Yes, you will need buzz card access to all the doors leading to the lab. They are usually kept open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday. But they will be automatically locked before/after hours and during weekends. Please contact IMS Facility Manager Wade Johnson 

If a Tool is Marked Down, then the users will not be able to reserve time or use it during that period. A tool is usually Marked Down for routine service, maintenance, repairs, facility, computer and software issues. 

All communications will be through SUMS. This is the only way staff can communicate information about current tool updates, change in tool status, processes & procedures.

Please try to call one of us from the numbers listed, if not you can email us directly or use SUMS to communicate.

The MCF is constantly expanding its capabilities and techniques, it is best to directly contact the staff and discuss.

Yes! there would be an additional staff charge of $75/hr. Please discuss the various options with the staff. 

Don’t worry! you can set up a “characterization help session” with one of the staff. Please contact us directly. 

All of our equipment is routinely checked and calibrated to meet instrument specific specifications. Most of them have annual PM (Preventive Maintenance) and service visits scheduled. All calibration data are posted on our website. Note that any minor/major issues with the tool will be immediately communicated to the users through SUMS. 

The MCF is willing to work with you. We will assist with new capabilities & tool expansions and try our best to make it possible.

Yes! We do a lot of remote work and analysis support. Our highly trained and well experienced staff can help you with your characterization demands and needs. Please feel free to contact any staff. We try to be as accommodating and flexible as possible. Our staff rate is $75/hr.

MCF is a core research facility at Georgia Tech and is a part of the Georgia Research Alliance Core Exchange program. You will benefit from the same rate and terms of our internal facility users, and you will not be subject to the Facilities and Administration costs that other users must pay (i.e., your bill will not have “overhead” charges applied).

This work was performed in part at the Materials Characterization Facility (MCF) at Georgia Tech.  The MCF is supported by the Georgia Tech Institute for Matter and Systems, which is a member of the National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure supported by the National Science Foundation (Grant ECCS-2025462).