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Internal Users

The Materials Characterization Facility (MCF) has over 250 users representing 65 principal investigators from various departments, centers, and institutes across campus. There are 30 instruments within the MCF with comprehensive capabilities to answer many of the most relevant materials questions researchers have today. Descriptions of the instruments along with their capabilities and rates are detailed on the Capabilities & Instruments page, and a list of all rates for all instruments can be viewed here. 

User Instructions and Guidelines

MCF services are provided by Ian Lightcap, Research and Facilities Program Director, and Anna Matzner, Laboratory Specialist. The user instructions and guidelines below highlight the protocols for using instrumentation and equipment within the MCF. This also includes instructions for training and scheduling to ensure the safety of all MCF users and to provide the best possible results for their research. 

Laboratory Policy and Agreement Contract

Prior to using the MCF, all users are required to have completed a Laboratory Policy and Agreement Contract (LPAC). Please contact Anna Matzner to complete this requirement. 

Training

To schedule a training session, researchers should contact Anna Matzner. An LPAC must be completed prior to the initial training session. 

Scheduling

After training is completed, users can register for the iLab system (see instructions below). Once registered, users can reserve time on approved instruments and should estimate the exact amount of time needed before making a reservation (see instructions below). Users who need to use only the instrument software to analyze data are not charged if the instrument is free for use. 

To register for an iLab account:

  1. Navigate to the core page: https://nd.ilab.agilent.com/service_center/show_external/5482/materials_characterization_facility.
  2. In the upper-right-hand corner of the screen click ‘Sign In,’ and select to sign in using University of Notre Dame credentials.
  3. You will be directed to an authentication page where you will enter your University of Notre Dame.
  4. Once you have entered your credentials, click the ‘Login’ button.
  5. You will be directed to an iLab Registration page where you will select your PI/Lab and verify your contact information.
  6. Once your registration has been submitted, your PI will receive a notification that you have requested membership to their lab in iLab and will need to approve your membership and assign any FOP for your use.

To Create an Equipment Reservation:

Once you have been accepted into your PI’s lab and assigned an FOP, you can schedule equipment time.

  1. Navigate to the core page: https://nd.ilab.agilent.com/service_center/show_external/5482/materials_characterization_facility. 
  2. In the upper-right-hand corner of the screen click ‘Sign In,’ and select to sign in using University of Notre Dame credentials. 
  3. You will be directed to an authentication page where you will enter your University of Notre Dame credentials. 
  4. Once you have entered your credentials, click the ‘Login’ button. 
  5. Select the Schedule Equipment tab and click on the ‘View Schedule’ button next to the instrument of interest. Click and drag on the time that you would like to schedule your reservation.
  6. A window will pop up that will allow you to verify your reservation details and provide payment information before saving the reservation.
Canceling Reservations

Users who have reservations and no longer need to use the instruments should cancel their reservation in the iLab system. Users who have reserved more than 4 hours and no longer need to use the instrument must notify Ian Lightcap at ilightca@nd.edu or 574-631-1493 as soon as possible. If users fail to properly cancel their reservations, FOPs on record are charged for the amount of time reserved.

Billing

First-time users are required to provide a Fund-Organization-Program (FOP) account code for charges related to using MCF instruments (see instructions in the LPAC). Users are encouraged to verify the FOP with their supervisor before scheduling time. Any changes in the FOP must be reported in a timely manner.

Users must log in and log out each time they use MCF instruments in the log book located in the MCF. In most cases, charges are calculated based on the actual time the instrument is being used, as noted in the log book, versus the time reserved in the iLab system. If users fail to enter the time in the log book, charges are calculated based on the iLab reservation. Please note, if there is a large discrepancy between the time reserved in iLab and the actual time of use, as noted in the log book, users are charged for the time reserved.

If users use the instrument software to analyze data during a reserved time, the FOP on record is charged for the analysis and measurement.

Users who are one hour late for their reservation may have their appointment canceled and the FOP on record is charged for the one hour.

Acknowledgment

Users are requested to acknowledge the MCF in all publications and proposals whenever facility equipment or instrumentation is used and/or assistance is provided by facility staff. Publications are a key indicator of the usefulness and impact of the MCF and are reported annually by ND Energy to the Vice President for Research. Please use the following standard statement when acknowledging the MCF:  

We thank the ND Energy Materials Characterization Facility (MCF) for the use of the [insert instrument(s) here]. The MCF is funded by the Sustainable Energy Initiative (SEI), which is part of the Center for Sustainable Energy at Notre Dame (ND Energy).