FaCT Core Research Facility
The FaCT Core is a central component of the Convergent Engineering and Biomolecular Science Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (CEBS COBRE), and is composed of four distinct laboratories. For more detailed information about each component lab, click the drop downs below or follow the links to see capabilities, services, and rates.
Biomechanics and Mechanobiology (BMMB)
The BMMB offers a variety of equipment to support cell biology and mechanotransduction experiments, including a cell culture suite, strain bioreactor, custom clinostat system for simulated microgravity studies of adherent cells, micro computed tomography X-ray scanner, confocal microscope, and a combined atomic force/confocal microscope system equipped with a thermal stage and gas perfusion for simultaneous co-localized nanomechanical and optical characterization of live cells and tissues.
Boise Center for Materials Characterization (BSCMC)
The BSCMC provides equipment and expertise to enable the characterization of materials, and is organized into two units, the X-ray and Electron Microscopy Laboratory (XEML) and the Surface Science Laboratory (SSL).
The XEML, equipped with a TEM, FE-SEM with EDS and EBSD, an electron microprobe (EPMA), XRD, XRF, and optical microscopes, offers a comprehensive suite of advanced materials characterization tools for structural, microstructural, and chemical analysis at the nanoscale. The lab also provides robust sample preparation capabilities for both optical and electron microscopy.
The SSL houses a suite of 4 atomic force microscopes (AFMs) with complementary capabilities for nanoscale characterization of surface topography and electrical, magnetic, mechanical, thermal, and electrochemical properties of materials in an inert argon atmosphere glovebox, ambient air, or fluid. An AFM-IR/s-SNOM system additionally enables nanoscale chemical analysis.
Idaho Microfabrication Lab (IML)
The IML encompasses both a traditional Class 100 semiconductor cleanroom complete with thin film deposition, wet and dry etch, chemical and thermal processing, and photolithography tools for microelectronics, as well as additive manufacturing capabilities including ink jet, aerosol jet, and extrusion printers for flexible and hybrid electronics, plus associated characterization and metrology tools. Operating as both an instructional lab and research space, the IML is equipped for teaching semiconductor processing concepts in addition to enabling user research, proof-of-concept development, and/or rapid prototyping.
Research Machining and Engineering (RME)
The RME facility is a fee-for-service group offering a broad range of expertise to develop solutions to address the research needs of the campus community. The team specializes in mechanical design, current design feedback, electrical and mechanical repair, and fabrication of metal and/or plastic components (e.g., custom fixtures, sample holders, etc.). The team includes an engineering professional, electrical and mechanical technicians, a professional machinist, and undergraduate students to best meet your needs.
College of Engineering (COEN) locations: (1) Environmental Research Building (ERB), (2) Harry Morrison Civil Engineering (HML), (3) Charles P. Ruch Engineering (RUCH), (4) Micron Engineering Center (MEC), and (5) Micron Center for Materials Research (MCMR). Additional laboratories are located across campus in the Multipurpose Classroom building (MPCB), in the Yanke Family Research Park (YFRB) along the Boise River, and in downtown Boise in both City Center Plaza (CCP) and the U.S. Bank Building. For directions and locations, search by building code or name on the Campus Map.
Centers
The college provides oversight in whole or in part over two centers, with the first particularly responsive to supporting regional educational institutions and businesses.
Details follow for the:
- CEBS COBRE
Grows regional biomolecular research capacity, specifically focused on biomedical devices, sensors, and systems for basic biomedical research or clinical applications. - Center for Atomically Thin Multifunctional Coatings
Develops novel coatings and functionalities enabled by two-dimensional materials
Also See: You might also want to explore the university-run Institute for Microelectronics Education and Research. It partners with industry to advance regional capacity for semiconductor and microelectronics development.
CEBS COBRE
The Convergent Engineering and Biomolecular Science Center of Biomedical Research Excellence advances regional biomedical research and clinical applications that use biomedical devices, sensors, and systems. The National Institutes of Health funds this university center, with a director / principal investigator (PI) from the College of Engineering, and an associate director / co-PI from the College of Arts and Sciences.
Its Fabrication, Characterization, and Testing (FaCT) core research facility has four parts: (1) Biomechanics & Mechanobiology, (2) the Boise State Center for Materials Characterization, (3) the Idaho Microfabrication Lab, and (4) Research Machining & Engineering.
Contact: Jim Browning
Center for Atomically Thin Multifunctional Coatings
This national university, industry, and government partnership expands industry innovation by creating novel coatings from two-dimensional materials, with unique physical, optical, electrical and chemical properties. National Science Foundation and industry funding advance energy, healthcare, accessibility, space exploration, and environmental solutions.
Penn State University leads. Boise State contributes expertise in additive manufacturing of electronics, atomic layer deposition, and scanning probe microscopy.
Of particular note is an Aixtron metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) tool for wafer-scale 2D materials synthesis, the only one of its kind at a US university.
Boise State Contact: David Estrada