VINSE has received a Seeding Success award to support the acquisition of a new Heidelberg µMLA Laser Writer for the VINSE cleanroom. The proposal was led by Matthew Day, Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy and Electrical and Computer Engineering, who serves as principal investigator.
The new system will replace the current mask writer and provide a modern, robust platform for mask pattern generation. Mask writing is a critical first step in many micro- and nanoscale fabrication workflows, and reliable access to this capability is essential for research, teaching, and outreach in the VINSE cleanroom.
Rather than a one-to-one replacement, the Heidelberg µMLA introduces new functionality requested by the VINSE user community and prioritized by the VINSE User Committee. These enhancements will support advanced optics, electronics, microfluidics, and 2D materials research, while enabling new and improved fabrication processes.
The instrument will be installed in the VINSE cleanroom and operated as a shared core facility resource, supporting researchers, students, courses, and outreach activities across Vanderbilt and the broader regional community.