Engineering

Mission

OIST's Engineering Section forwards research by assisting researchers in the design, fabrication and characterization of experimental setups, samples and devices.

Our teams of specialists provide support for:

  • Mechanical engineering
  • Electronics
  • Nanofabrication and microfabrication
  • Optical characterization
  • Physical properties measurements
  • Materials and structure characterization

Education, user training and outreach towards industry and communities in Okinawa are among our top priorities.
 

Services

Personnel operating a lathe within the Engineering Section of OIST

Mechanical Engineering

The workshop is housed in a dedicated, purpose built facility (ESB) close to Lab2. Trained technical staff support access to a range of manually operated and fully automated multi-axis machine tools.

User accessible facilities include additive and subtractive manufacturing, manual machine tools, hand tools, laser engravers laser cutters and 3D printing systems.

Nanofabrication

Our nanofabrication facilities are centered around our two Class 1000 cleanrooms, which are equipped for fabrication of samples on the micro- and nanoscale. Using the state of the art deposition, (e-beam) lithography, additive/subtractive manufacturing, etching tools and focused ion beams, our expert staff can help you to achieve your goals. Our cleanrooms are located in Labs 2 and 5.

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy system at Engineering OIST

Characterization

Comprehensive characterization of samples and devices can be carried out on the various instruments available in, and adjacent to the cleanrooms. This also includes the optical, structural and physical characterization systems located in Lab 4.

Whether it's x-ray diffraction, scanning electron or laser microscopy, atomic force microscopy or Raman/IR/X-ray spectroscopy, don't hesitate to reach out to our team of specialists.

Soldering Circuitry Electricity

Electronics Support

Our Electronics team provides expert support for all your circuit design and electronics needs. From fabricating printed circuit boards (PCBs) and assembling device prototypes to signal analysis, diagnostics, and consultation, we’re here to help you tackle challenges and turn your ideas into reality.

aligning a laser within a Tokyo Instruments Raman confocal microscope system

Laser Safety Consultation

The Engineering Section at OIST provides guidance on setting up laser systems and ensuring they meet safety compliance standards across all campus facilities and laboratories.

In compliance with OIST Health and Safety, we offer practical laser safety training for users and individuals accessing laser-controlled areas. In collaboration with the OIST Laser Safety Advisory Committee, we are dedicated to improving laser safety for all laser users, whether they are OIST employees, students, or visiting researchers.

ENG Equipment Database

Contact Us

Depending on the nature of your request, please contact the corresponding team using the following links:

  • Details of mechanical engineering services can be found HERE
  • Details of nanofabrication and characterization services can be found HERE
  • Details of electronics services can be found HERE
Are you an external user?
Reach out if you want to commission a service or collaborate.
Training on nanofabrication and characterization equipment
Click on the link to send your request
Training on mechanical engineering equipment
Click on the link to send your request
Section Team Members
(internal)
two cleanroom users are operating a maskless lithography system, fully gowned
Staff operating a focused ion beam SEM
Staff operating a Mazak CNC milling machine
Staff loading samples into an autoloader for a Bruker D8 powder diffraction system.
Witec Alpha300 Apyron with four lasers and HOYA 3D pulsed micro laser cutter
Silicon wafer being processed within a cleanroom
close-up view on a microscope with a laser spot in the focus on a glass slide
staff operating a Hurco wire cutter in working clothes. The machine is open and user is operating the control panel.