Hicks R.
Australian National Fabrication Facility, AU
Keywords: fabrication facilities, open access
The Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF) links 7 nodes to provide researchers and industry with access to state-of-the-art fabrication facilities across 20 participating universities. Historically Australia has fostered internationally recognised centres of excellence in a range of disciplines, including quantum computing, medical bionics, and photonics and optical science, each with associated nano fabrication facilities. However, these centres have operated in isolation and access has been limited to members of the host institution. As a national facility, ANFF provides a cohesive structure for interactions with stakeholders, including Australian researchers, industry, host institutions and funding partners. The nodes, which are located across Australia, draw on the existing infrastructure and expertise. Each offers a specific area of capability including advanced materials, nanoelectronics & photonics and bio nano applications. Drawing on the wealth of expertise, the network offers unique opportunities for multi-disciplinary programs. Researchers are able to either work at the nodes under expert guidance, or to contract for specialised products to be fabricated at a reasonable cost. This paper explores the challenges faced when creating and operating genuinely open-access facilities and provides an introduction to the ANFF facilities and access mechanisms.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 2, Nanotechnology 2010: Electronics, Devices, Fabrication, MEMS, Fluidics and Computational
Published: June 21, 2010
Pages: 235 - 237
Industry sector: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
Topics: Advanced Manufacturing, Nanoelectronics
ISBN: 978-1-4398-3402-2