NIFTI Objectives

1. NIFTI user facility was established in early 2002 through the Institute for Nanotechnology's NSF-sponsored Nanoscale Science & Engineering Center (NSEC) at Northwestern University, with support from the State of IL and NU. This new resource facilitates research, collaboration, education and outreach in emerging nanotechnologies, such as soft/hybrid nanolithography, biochemical nanosensors, nano-biotechnology including genetic engineering, soft nanostructures, molecular self-assembly etc.
2. NIFTI houses several Scanning Probe Microscopes- specifically geared towards nanoscale characterization, nanopatterning and lithography (including nanopatterning suite of software programs), and a near-field scanning optical microscope (NSOM) with tunable femto-second laser source.
3. NIFTI user facility operates and functions like its sister facilities (EPIC and Keck-II)-based on the core philosophy of open access, hands-on training, collaboration and assistance from highly qualified and expert staff. Training is offered on a periodic basis, both as "crash courses" or part of hands-on structured course, as well as individual ad-hoc training as needs arise.

NIFTI Mission

1. Provide advanced instrumentation for University researchers, maintained and upgraded by experts;
2. Build, preserve and upgrade the knowledge and skills required for the optimal operation and research capability of the instrumentation;
3. Teach University researchers to apply the above instrumentation, knowledge and skills most fruitfully;
4. Make the instrumentation, knowledge, skills and training available to entities external to the Northwestern University, to a degree that does not detract from the preceding mission clauses.

NIFTI Strategies

1. Developing novel instrumentation for enabling nano-metrologies to support emerging soft, hard and hybrid nanotechnology fields.
2. Achieve nanoscale resolution and nondestructive measurement of structures and devices.
3. Expanded educational benefit through measurements and standards.
4. Broaden our outreach through collaboration with national and international educational institutions, industries and societal groups.