About

Founded in 2002 on the University of Pittsburgh’s Oakland campus, the Gertrude E. and John M. Petersen Institute of NanoScience and Engineering (PINSE) fosters collaboration and innovation for members of the University community, as well as researchers throughout the region.  

To support our mission, PINSE established the Nanoscale Fabrication and Characterization Facility (NFCF) in 2006 through an endowment by Gertrude E. and John M. Petersen. This 6,000 square foot facility serves the nanofabrication and characterization needs of internal and external users by providing state-of-the-art equipment that is core to nanoscience and nanotechnology research.  

The NFCF supports the PINSE mission by supporting the needs of PINSE researchers, fostering collaboration among diverse research groups both inside and outside of the University, promoting innovation through interdisciplinary seminars and events, and exposing undergraduate students to nanoscience and nanotechnology. Through collaboration, innovation, and service, PINSE works to foster a highly diverse and interdisciplinary community of researchers around the study of nanoscience. 

Facility

PINSE supports the Nanoscale Fabrication and Characterization Facility (NFCF), a user facility located in Benedum Hall. This facility houses state-of-the-art equipment with core-nano-level capability.  There are several features which make the capabilities of NFCF unique, a complete list of equipment and functionalities available at the NFCF can be viewed here.

Business Hours

NFCF Staff have business hours of 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM weekdays. Faculty and Graduate users have access to the lab 24/7, however undergaduate users are only allowed in outside of business hours with their advisor.