Services & Training
The Tufts Materials Micro Characterization Facility is available to Tufts constituents and external customers alike.
The Tufts Materials Micro Characterization Facility utilizes a state-of-the-art integrated Raman-AFM-SNOM-TERS-Lifetime System by WITec Instruments Corporation to measure material and stress information, physical parameters, optical parameters at the sub-diffraction limit, and lifetime of optical excitation at the same location of a sample surface. The instrument consists of four integrated parts: a confocal Raman imaging spectrometer, an atomic force microscope (AFM), a near-field optical microscope, and a time-correlated single photon counter. These parts measure a unique synergistic combination of material parameters, making the instrument an unparalleled platform for many applications and users.
A substantial time investment is required to develop high imaging proficiency and full understanding of results. The instrument is state-of-the-art and performs at its peak specifications. To keep all parts of the instrument properly calibrated and continuously working, the instrument is only used by the lab manager/scientist. Guests are more than welcome to watch and provide feedback regarding the measurements. We are also glad to consult with you on sample preparation.
User Fee Schedule
The rates listed below are direct cost. The fees are what we directly charge you, not including any overhead rates charged by the university. If the source of funds is a sponsored agreement, overhead (indirect costs) will be charged at the current Tufts rate (56% in FY16). In general, overhead will be charged on all external user transactions.
Academic User Fee Rates (direct cost)
| INSTRUMENT | Rate / hour Tufts/Non-Tufts |
Mandatory On-Site Staff Assistance / hour Tufts/Non-Tufts |
Remote Staff Assistance / hour Tufts/Non-Tufts |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Confocal Raman | $30/ $35 | $45/$55 | $140/$165 | |
| AFM part of the system | $20/$25 | $45/$55 | $140/$165 | Cost of consumables is additional |
| NSOM | $21/$25 | $45/$55 | $140/$165 | Cost of consumables is additional |
| FLIM | $25/$30 | $45/$55 | $140/$165 | |
| TERS | $33/$40 | $45/$55 | $140/$165 | Cost of consumables is additional |
| Combined microscopy | $33/$40 | $45/$55 | $140/$165 | Cost of consumables is additional |
| Nanoindenter | $21/$25 | $45/$55 | $140/$165 | |
| Monthly Cap / user | $1,750 Tufts $2,100 Non-Tufts |
None | None | After cap level is reached, additional qualifying expenses are added at 20% of base rate |
Notes: academic users from for minority serving institutions and four-year colleges have the Tufts internal rates discounted 30%.
Non-Academic User Fee Rates (direct cost)
| INSTRUMENT | Rate | Mandatory On-Site Staff Assistance |
Remote Staff Assistance |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Confocal Raman | $180/ hour | $165/hour | $220/hour | |
| AFM part of the system | $100/hour | $165/hour | $220/hour | Cost of consumables is additional |
| NSOM | $120/hour | $165/hour | $220/hour | Cost of consumables is additional |
| FLIM | $180/hour | $165/hour | $220/hour | |
| TERS | $210/hour | $165/hour | $220/hour | Cost of consumables is additional |
| Combined microscopy | $210/hour | $165/hour | $220/hour | Cost of consumables is additional |
| Nanoindenter | $130/hour | $165/hour | $220/hour | |
| Monthly Cap / user | $9,075 | None | None | After cap level is reached, additional qualifying expenses are added at 20% of base rate |
Notes: The on-site or remote staff assistance rates are in addition to any equipment rate.