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World Class Nanotechnology Research Center Opens
Eh-Wire writes "The University of Alberta and Edmonton are mighty proud to be home to the new National Institute of Nanotechnology. The $52.2-million(Canadian) facility is designed to provide the optimal conditions for nano-scale research and to foster collaboration between researchers. Apparently it is Canada's quietest space and engineered that way to minimize vibration and acoustical noise. Even the electrical wiring has been twisted to reduce electro-magnetic interference. Curiously enough the head project architect, Donna Clare of architectural firm, Cohos Evamy was also the head project architect for Edmonton's highly acclaimed Winspear Centre, a concert hall designed specifically to enhance acoustics. There's likely going to be some big things coming from this state-of-the-art research facility for the really really small."
Curiously enough the head project architect, Donna Clare of architectural firm, Cohos Evamy was also the head project architect for Edmonton's highly acclaimed Winspear Centre, a concert hall designed specifically to enhance acoustics.
What's curious about that? If you want a quiet building, I'd think you'd want to hire a guy who's an expert in sound and architecture.
-Grey
Silver Clipboard: Time Management Tips
Never say "Johnson" and "it's so small" in the same sentence!
Sheesh, evil *and* a jerk. -- Jade
This is done in all the high precision instruments and the facility in which they are installed. TEMs and electron beam lithography tools often have a separate foundation isolated from the rest of the building to minimize vibration issues.
Probably they should mention about the tight control over temperature, humidity and airflow as well.
You might be interested by the recently launched european equivalent : Minatec.
The University of Alberta has their own nano tech lab called the NanoFab and it is good for what it did. However it is an open access research facility and the space inside of it was almost all used up by the time I finished working there 2 years ago. This new lab is huge and has tons of room for more equipment and has taken advantage of new construction techniques in order to allow for more sensitive equipment. There is a lot of research in nano-tech happening in Alberta and this will allow it to continue.