Mike & Ophelia Lazaridis Quantum-Nano Centre
Officially opened on September 2012, the $160M Mike & Ophelia Lazaridis Quantum-Nano Centre (QNC) is the most scientifically sophisticated building at the University of Waterloo. The state-of-the-art building is home to two world-class institutes — Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology (WIN) and the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) — and a hub of cutting-edge research in nanotechnology and quantum information science.
Nanotechnology facilities at the Mike & Ophelia Lazaridis Quantum-Nano Centre
Quantum Nano Fabrication and Characterization Facility
The Quantum NanoFab facility is a world-class operation. The ultra-sterile cleanroom/fabrication facility is constructed upon a separate foundation from the rest of the building, ensuring that it will never vibrate more than a micron (a fraction of the width of a human hair).
Molecular Beam Epitaxy
(MBE) Facility
The QNC MBE facility houses a Veeco GEN10 MBE system that enables the product of nanomaterials such as sophisticated III/V semiconductors for devices of the future. The facility will support research programs in photonics to quantum computing.
Metrology Facility
The QNC Metrology Labs contain a full suite of tools to see, measure, manipulate and build materials at the nanoscale.
Research groups and equipment
Along with working on world-renowned research, our WIN members' labs and research groups are home analytical and lab-scale production equipment. This is not an exhaustive list but an overview of the research capabilities within WIN and the availability to work with external partners.
Biomedical Engineering and Energy Research Group
The research of the Biomedical Engineering and Energy Research Group is at the interface between materials, biomedicine and energy; it involves the application of materials science, physical chemistry, surface thermodynamics, solid state physics, biochemistry and molecular cell biology to energy, biomedical and chemical engineering systems.
PI: Pu Chen
Location: DWE 3512 3515
| Equipment | Description | Location (if different from lab) | Contact | Available to External Users |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
X-Ray Diffraction (XRD)  |
Model:D8 DISCOVER DIFFRACTOMETER SYSTEM X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) is a high-tech, non-destructive technique for analyzing a wide range of materials, including fluids, metals, minerals, polymers, catalysts, plastics, pharmaceuticals, thin-film coatings, ceramics, solar cells and semiconductors. |
DWE 3515 |
Yes |
|
|
Surface Area Analyzer  |
Model:Accelerated Surface Area and Porosimetry System 2020 Micromeritics’ ASAP 2020 Accelerated Surface Area and Porosimetry Analyzer uses the gas sorption technique to generate high-quality data for research and quality control applications. Data obtained by an ASAP 2020 analyzer are used to achieve efficiency, safety, quality, and profitability in any modern materials-oriented work, and can be used by scientists with confidence and assurance. |
DWE 3515 |
Yes | |
|
Neware Battery Testing System  |
Model: BT2000 Description: Arbin Instruments' BT2000 is a multiple independant-channel testing system. Each channel operates independently of the others enabling users to run tests on multiple batteries at the same time. Each channel in the BT2000 is a true potentiostat and galvanostat with charging and/or discharging capability. BT2000 can handle both rechargeable and primary battery applications. |
DWE 3512 |
No | |
|
Electrochemical Station  |
Model: CHI 760 CHI 760 electrochemical workstation is computerized general purpose potentiostat / bipotentiostats / galvanostat. A typical application involves a rotating ring-disk electrode (RRDE), but this system can also be used for other applications where dual channel measurements are essential, such as dual channel electrochemical detection. The system contains a fast-digital function generator, a high-speed data acquisition circuitry, a potentiostat / biotentiostat and a galvanostat (not available to certain models). |
DWE 3512 |
Yes | |
|
Ball Mill  |
Model:Planetary mill PULVERISETTE 5 classic line Application: For the finest rapid, batch-wise comminution of hard to soft grinding material, dry or in suspension, down to colloidal fineness. For mixing and perfect homogenizing of emulsions and pastes. |
DWE 3512 |
Yes | |
|
Glove Box  |
Model: MBRAUN LABmaster SP/DP Glove Box workstation The LABmaster is a ready to operate modular workstation that includes a large main antechamber, vacuum pump and Siemens color PLC controller. The LABmaster offers automatic regenerable oxygen and moisture purifier units with single or double columns. The LABmaster attains purity levels of less than one part per million oxygen and moisture and includes integrated with high vacuum feedthroughs and a stainless-steel encapsulated blower MB-BL-01 with frequency converter. |
DWE 3512 |
q28shi@uwaterloo.ca | No |
Ho Research Group
The Ho Research Group is focused on the development and characterization of innovative nanoparticles, medical devices, and biomaterials for drug delivery and vaccine applications. Their technology platforms are designed to be customizable to enhance drug solubility, targeted delivery, and improved therapeutic efficacy. Their team has the experience and knowledge to develop pharmaceutical formulations for small molecule drugs, proteins/peptides, and nucleic acids. They also have the necessary infrastructure to characterize our technology platforms in vitro and in vivo e.g. physico-chemical drug properties, tissue biocompatibility, imaging, etc.
PI: Emmanuel Ho
Location: PHR
| Equipment | Description | Location (if different from lab) | Contact | Available to External Users |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malvern NanoSight NS300 Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA)
 | Used to determine nanoparticle size and concentration. | Yes, with user fees contact for more details. | ||
| 3D Printer
 | Custom-built 3D printer for building objects from various polymers. | Yes, with user fees contact for more details | ||
| Freezer Mill
 | SPEX Freezer/Mill 6770 is designed for cryogenic grinding and pulverizing of tough and/or temperature sensitive samples immersed in liquid nitrogen. | Yes, with user fees contact for more details. | ||
| Hot Injection Molder
 | Benchtop medium duty hot injection molder from Medium Machinery. | Yes, with user fees contact for more details. |
Goldthorpe Research Group
Irene Goldthorpe's Research Group assembles electronic nanomaterials into films and inks for electronic devices (eg. smart windows, solar cells, displays), printable flexible electronics and e-textiles.
PI: Irene Goldthorpe
Location: QNC B531, B532, B533
| Equipment | Description | Location (if different from lab) | Contact | Available to External Users |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Hot-rolling press  |
4” wide hot rolling press/calender (MSK-HRP-01,MTI Corporation) | Yes | ||
|
4-point probe system  |
Measures sheet resistance (Ossila) |
Yes | ||
|
Light-duty heat press  |
11x15” flat heat press (Flex Heat Transfer Vinyl Ltd) | Yes | ||
|
Optical microscope  |
Mertallugical bright-field and darkfield microscope with USB camera (M838TRMD-C90U, OMAX) |
Yes | ||
|
Spin coater  |
120 to 6000 RPM, chuck for 1x1” substrates (L2001A3-E462-US, Ossila) |
Yes | ||
|
Potentiostat  |
EmStat3 (PalmSens) |
igoldthorpe@uwaterloo.ca | Yes | |
|
Desktop multimeter  |
Desktop digital multimeter (SDM3045X, Siglent) |
Yes | ||
|
Electronic cutting machine  |
Can cut patterns into substrates up to 12” wide such as plastic |
Yes |
Micro Nanoscale Transport (MNT) Laboratory
Micro and Nano-scale Transport Laboratory (MNT Lab) has state-of-art facilities to conduct fundamental studies related to fluid transport processes which are occurring at micro and nano-scale with applications in key areas of energy, environment monitoring, and bio-systems.
PI: Sushanta Mitra
Location: QNC 1512
| Equipment | Description | Location (if different from lab) | Contact | Available to External Users |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope (customized based on Zeiss LSM 800)  |
A highly customized dual wavelength laser scanning reflection interference contrast microscopy set up operating in confocal mode suitable for capturing thin liquid film dynamics at a length scale as small as 100 nm. |
Yes | ||
|
Hybrid Microscope (Echo Revolve)  |
iPad integrated upright and inverted microscope for brightfield, fluorescence, and phase contrast microscopy. |
Yes | ||
|
High Speed Camera (Photron FASTCAM Mini)  |
CMOS based monochrome high-speed camera with capability to capture 1280 x 800 pixel images at 6,250fps. Includes zoom and macro lenses suitable for different field of view and working distance requirement. |
Yes | ||
|
Goniometer/Contact angle measurement system  |
A custom -made contact angle goniometer capable of automated dual droplet dispensation and synchronized side and bottom view observation for investigating droplet spreading, coalescence and dynamic contact angle evolution. |
Yes | ||
|
Biosafety Cabinet (Labconco)  |
To provide personnel, product and environmental protection from hazardous particulates such as agents that require Biosafety Level 1, 2 or 3 containment. | Yes | ||
|
Fusion 4000 independent channels syringe pump  |
The Chemyx Fusion 4000 is configured with two independently controlled precision syringe pump channels with programmable step-rate functionality. |
Yes | ||
|
Standard Laboratory Use Sterilizer/Autoclave with Dryer, Yamato  |
This sterilizer offers fully automatic sterilization from start to finish with high-pressure steam sterilization and drying steps. |
Yes | ||
|
VWR® Floor Model Shaking Incubator  |
Floor shaking incubators feature a unique, adjustable counterbalance weighting system to accommodate off-center loads and varying capacities and stroke lengths. |
Yes | ||
|
VWR® Compact Micro Centrifuges  |
Compact microcentrifuges are ideal for DNA, RNA, and temperature-sensitive samples.
|
Yes | ||
|
Analytical Balance 220g x 0.1mg  |
Affordable analytical balances for precise weighing of small samples. |
skmitra@uwaterloo.ca | Yes | |
|
Millipore Membrane filtration set-up   |
The laboratory filtration pump that transfers filtered liquids directly to waste. Used for membrane filtration method for general microbiological analysis. |
Yes |
Nano and Micro Systems Laboratory
The Nano and Micro Systems Lab (NMSL) mission is to conduct various researches in advanced micro and nanomechanical systems sensing and actuation technologies driven by the potential impacts on society and the environment. The group objective is to address issues in overall NEMS and MEMS technologies advancement while contributing to fundamental sciences.
PI: Mustafa Yavuz
Location: E3 3175A and E3 2108F,K
| Equipment | Description |
Location (if different from lab) |
Contact |
Available to External Users |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
AJA International ATC Orion 5 Sputtering System  |
Physical Vapor Deposition system with RF and DC target sputtering system. Heating substrate, load lock is available. |
E3 3175A |
Request required |
|
|
Cole Parmer – Ultrasonic Cleaner  |
27 Liter Ultrasonic Cleaner with Digital Timer and Heat | E3 2108K | Request required | |
|
IKA RV 3 Rotary Evaporator  |
4L water heating bath which goes up to 99°C with digital display. Mechanical lift with locking mechanism. Speed range 20-300 rpm |
E3 2108K | Request required | |
|
Ni-Lo X1 Dip Coater  |
Speed of dipping is between 0.01-99.9 mm/min, hold time is between 1-999 seconds | E3 2108K | Request required | |
|
Mantech PeCOD L50  |
Providing accurate Chemical Oxygen Demand results in less than 10 minutes |
E3 2108K | Request required | |
|
Mantech pHmeter  |
pH electrode with controller. Easy to calibrate. | E3 2108K | Request required |
Polymer and Supramolecular Functional Nanomaterials
Inspired by natural self-assembled systems (e.g. cells), a multidisciplinary research frontier of supramolecular chemistry has emerged and developed to be a promising approach for bottom-up nanotechnology. As a polymer group, they strive to develop new synthetic strategies for self-assembled functional nanomaterials using macromolecules as major building blocks. Particularly, they are interested in the self-assembling behaviour of metallopolymers for a new generation of processible and tunable nanomaterials with optical, magnetic, electronic, redox and catalytic properties due to the presence of metal elements. The resulting materials are expected to have useful applications in modern technologies such as lithography, nanoelectronics, sensors, energy storage and conversion.
PI: Xiaosong Wang
Location: QNC 3502
| Equipment | Description | Location (if different from lab) | Contact | Available to External Users |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Perkin Elmer Luminescence Spectrometer LS50B  |
A spectrometer with the capability of measuring fluorescence, phosphorescence, chemiluminescence and bioluminescence. |
Yes |
||
|
Thermo Fisher GENESYS 150 UV-Visible Spectrophotometer  |
A spectrophotometer used for UV absorption analysis of compounds. Can analyze wavelength of 190 nm – 1100 nm. |
Yes |
||
|
Malvern Zetasizer Nano S  |
An instrument that uses dynamic light scattering to determine size and uniformity of nanoparticles. |
Yes |
Waterloo Industrial Ecology Group (WIEG)
Waterloo Laboratory for Inverse Analysis and Thermal Sciences (WatLIT)
Waterloo Nanofabrication Group
Schipper Research Group
The Schipper Group's research is focused on tackling synthetic challenges posed in the context of conjugated organic materials. These materials are poised to make significant technological breakthroughs that will enable the advancement of flexible, lightweight, low-cost electronic devices such as photovoltaics, light emitting diodes and field-effect transistors. The performance of any device depends on the bulk properties of the active material. Improvements of the material properties arise from modification of the material on the molecular level and, therefore, stem from advances in the design and synthesis of new molecular architectures. Our ability to design and construct new materials is limited only by the synthetic tools available to us. Innovative new synthetic capabilities will allow the design of novel molecular architectures and enable the ability to answer fundamental questions about structure/function relationships. Ultimately, this will lead to enhanced properties for these new materials and, therefore, improved device performances.
PI: Derek Schipper
Location: C2 262
| Equipment | Description | Location (if different from lab) | Contact | Available to External Users |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Advion TLC-Mass Spec  |
Compact mass spectrometer using APCI to directly analyze masses from TLC plates. Able to detect masses up to 1000 Da. |
Yes |
||
 |
Separates molecules based on size. Used to determine molecular weights of polymers. |
rmirabal@uwaterloo.ca |
Yes |
|
|
Teledyne Rf+ Automated Flash Column  |
Used to separate UV active compounds through flash chromatography using variable wavelength UV detector. Able to handle columns from 10g up to 200g. |
jianan.wang@uwaterloo.ca |
No |
|
|
Biotage Microwave Reactor  |
Eight holder microwave reactor. Able to handle pressures up to 25 bar, with proper vessels. |
jianan.wang@uwaterloo.ca |
Yes |
|
|
Solvent System  |
Used for the dispensing of dry, degassed solvents. Contains acetonitrile, dichloromethane, tetrahydofuran, toluene, and triethylamine. |
jianan.wang@uwaterloo.ca |
No |
|
|
Potentiostat  |
Used for basic electrochemical experiments such as CV. 2 and 3 electrode configurations. |
Yes |
||
|
Glovebox  |
Nitrogen glove box. |
jianan.wang@uwaterloo.ca |
Yes |
Sensors and Integrated Microsystems Laboratory (SIMSLab)
Sensors and Integrated Mircosystems Laboratory uses a cross disciplinary approach to develop exciting new sensing solutions for use in real world applications while exploring the fundamentals of science to further the understanding of its researchers and the community. With this comes a wide spectrum of exciting research projects explored in the laboratory.
PI: Patricia Nieva
Location: E3X 4112
| Equipment | Description | Location (if different from lab) | Contact | Available to External Users |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Digital UV Ozone system   |
Atomically clean Semiconductor Silicon Wafers using UV Ozone. |
Yes |
||
|
Vibrometer  |
Two beam laser interferometer that measures the frequency difference between an internal reference beam and a test beam to characterization vibrations. |
Yes |
||
|
Probing Station with an LCR meter and amplifier system  |
Electronic manipulation of micro-sized devices. |
Yes |
||
|
Interferometer  |
Device that merges two or more sources of light to create an interference pattern, which can be measured and analyze micro-displacement (currently not operational). |
Yes |
||
|
Pressure Chamber  |
Air pressure vessel for testing of devices. (Max Pressure 90 psi) |
Yes |
Smith Research Group
Silicon Thin-film Applied Research (STAR)
Tsui Research Group
The Tsui Research Group’s research focuses on elastic constraint effects on small scale fractures in thin films, mechanical reliability of nano-scale devices, fracture of porous brittle materials used in advanced integrated circuits, and the mechanical properties of materials for lead free solder applications. Professor Tsui’s group has also developed techniques to fabricate nanometer scale structures for various applications. These processing methods include plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD), e-beam lithography, and electroplating.
PI: Ting Tsui
Location: QNC
| Equipment | Description | Location (if different from lab) | Contact | Available to External Users |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zeiss 1550, FE-SEM
 | Field Emission- Scanning Electron microscope that can image objects smaller than 20 nm | QNC B512 | tttsui@uwaterloo.ca | No |
| Optical microscope with 1000x max magnification (OMAX)
 | Reflective optical microscope with a digital camera | QNC B501 | tttsui@uwaterloo.ca | Yes |
| Nano-indenter
 | Characterize hardness and elastic modulus of small volume of materials. Indentation depth can be as small as 20 nm deep. | QNC B501 | tttsui@uwaterloo.ca | No |
| Micro-tensile/compression tester(homemade)
 | This is a machine to measure stress-train response of materials and adhesion/interfacial strength of thin films. | QNC B512 | tttsui@uwaterloo.ca | No |
University of Waterloo Live Fire Research Facility
The UWaterloo Fire Research Group undertakes both individual and larger, multidisciplinary team research projects in association with a host of industrial, academic and government partners. Recent research efforts extend from full- and laboratory-scale experimental fire research to fire testing of materials; from development of improved fire diagnostics to fire modeling; and from occupational health and fitness in the fire service to fire fighter training facilities and programs.
Location: 1001 Erb Street W, Waterloo, N2J 3Z4
| Equipment | Description | Location (if different from lab) | Contact | Available to External Users |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Cone Calorimeter, Fire Testing Technology.  |
General Purpose: To measure heat release rate and other fire performance parameters. Standardized small-scale testing apparatus for thermal performance of liquid and solid samples exposed to incident heat flux. It can be configured for vertical and horizontal testing. Collects combustion gases for analysis of CO, CO2 and O2. |
Located at the Fire Research Facility on Erb Street, in room 110. Refer to schematic provided. |
beth.weckman@uwaterloo.ca |
Yes |
|
Smoke Density Chamber, Fire Testing Technology  |
General Purpose: To measure optical density of smoke. Standardized small-scale testing apparatus for smoke generation from liquid and solid samples exposed to incident heat flux. It can be configured for horizontal and vertical testing of samples. The sealed chamber confines pyrolysis or combustion gases and the optical density of the smoke is computed. |
Located at the Fire Research Facility on Erb Street, in room 110. Refer to schematic provided. |
beth.weckman@uwaterloo.ca |
Yes |
|
Fourier Infrared Transform, “Suitcase” FTIR, Miran.  |
General Purpose: Time-resolved gas analysis of smoke. This portable FTIR analyzes combustion gases by principles of Fourier Transform. |
Is portable, but currently stationed in room 110 at the Fire Research Facility on Erb Street for use in conjunction with the cone calorimeter and smoke density chamber. |
beth.weckman@uwaterloo.ca |
Yes |
|
Novatech P-695 Sampling Technology  |
General Purpose: Time-resolved gas analysis of smoke. This portable and time-resolved sampling system draws combustion gases to three gas analyzers: Servomex 4900C (O2, CO, CO2), Baseline 8800H analyzer (total UBHC) and TML 41H Analyzer (NOX). |
Is portable, but currently stationed in room 110 at the Fire Research Facility on Erb Street for use in conjunction with the cone calorimeter and smoke density chamber. |
beth.weckman@uwaterloo.ca |
Yes |
|
Lateral Ignition and Flame Spread Test (LIFT), Fire Testing Technology  |
General Purpose: To measure ignition resilience of a material. This standardized test method is used to measure the flammability of a material when exposed to a radiant heat source in a vertical orientation. It can be used to determine the material’s ability to inhibit ignition and spread. |
Located at the Fire Research Facility on Erb Street. |
beth.weckman@uwaterloo.ca |
Yes |
|
Limiting Oxygen Index, Fire Testing Technology  |
General Purpose: To measure flame spread ignition propensity at varying levels of oxygen. This portable and standardized small-scale testing method is used to determine how much of a material will burn and support flame spread at varying levels of oxygen. Oxygen concentration is controlled with nitrogen and can be adjusted over a wide range. |
Located at the Fire Research Facility on Erb Street, currently kept in room 110 on the building schematic below. |
beth.weckman@uwaterloo.ca |
Yes |
|
Intermediate-scale Testing Area  Exemplary Testing: 
|
General Purpose: To measure heat release rate and other fire performance parameters of large items. This space is attached to Large-scale testing area below |
Located at the Fire Research Facility on Erb Street, room 111 in the schematic below. |
beth.weckman@uwaterloo.ca |
Yes |
|
Large-scale Testing Area  Interior View:  Exemplary Testing:  |
General Purpose: To provide a large and easily instrumented space for a variety of experimental tests. This large space is attached to the main lab building and houses 6 fans on the westward facing wall, each 6 ft dia. with max. wind velocity of about 11m/s. This space is utilized for larger scale custom testing, pool fires and timber beams, etc. |
Located at the Fire Research Facility on Erb Street, room 111 in the schematic below. |
beth.weckman@uwaterloo.ca |
Yes |
|
Steiner Tunnel  |
General Purpose: To measure ignitability and flame spread of materials. Standardized flammability testing (ASTM E84). The tunnel is a furnace chamber 7.6m long x 0.45m wide x 0.32m high used to test the flame spread of a material when exposed to direct flame impingement. |
Located at the Fire Research Facility on Erb Street, in the intermediate-scale testing area, room 111 in the schematic below. |
beth.weckman@uwaterloo.ca |
Yes |
|
Two-storey “Burn House” Prop  Fire Compartment Interior View:  Exemplary Testing:  |
General Purpose: To provide a large, easily instrumented and versatile space for compartment fire testing. This large-scale, 300m3, two-storey, multi-compartment structure is designed for densely instrumented full-scale residential fire tests. It is instrumented to measure temperatures & heat flux throughout the space, velocities in door/window vents, mass loss of fuel, gas sampling (use of portable electrochemical sensors) and record footage from various locations (security cameras). The structure currently has an HVAC system installed. |
Located at the Fire Research Facility on Erb Street. |
beth.weckman@uwaterloo.ca |
Yes |
|
Wall Testing Unit Exterior View: 
 |
General Purpose: To provide a versatile experimental set-up for wall unit and assembly testing. This shipping container with an area of 35m3 has been re-purposed for large-scale wall assembly testing in which a fully characterized temperature and radiation exposure can be applied through use of wood cribs. The container is instrumented with thermocouples on both sides of the wall and allows for both wood and steel frame wall construction, with and without penetrations. Portable gas sensor units can be installed in various locations on the exposed and unexposed side of the wall. Recently, it has been used to test in-wall piping systems. |
Located at the Fire Research Facility on Erb Street. |
beth.weckman@uwaterloo.ca |
Yes |
|
Container Test Unit  Exterior View:  |
General Purpose: To provide a versatile experimental set-up for single room fire testing. This shipping container with an area of 35m3 has been re-purposed for large-scale compartment fire testing in which a fully characterized temperature and radiation exposure can be applied through use of wood cribs or liquid fires. The container is instrumented with thermocouples throughout and on the back steel wall. Portable gas sensor units can be installed in various locations Recently, it has been used to test aerosol, gas and water based suppression systems. |
Located at the Fire Research Facility on Erb Street. |
beth.weckman@uwaterloo.ca |
Yes |