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:
Education, user training and outreach towards industry and communities in Okinawa are among our top priorities.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Depending on the nature of your request, please click on the sections relevant to your needs...
The Mechanical Team offers design consultation, custom machining, welding, forming and 3D Printing to meet the needs of researchers here at OIST.
To request the fabrication/modification of your parts please use the following links:
To request a consulation or to submit a job please use this link: JOB SUBMISSION.
Please include:
When a complex mechanical problem presents itself and requires a solution, please reach out to the Mechanical Team for help. Our specialists will use their many years of experience to help you get the desired result.
Our specialists can also assist in the the designing of parts and assemblies for fabrication.
For consultation & advice please click here: DESIGN CONSULTATION and let us know the details of your project. If the problem is urgent please stop by our office located in the Engineering Support Building (ES-102).
For training please submit a request through PPMS here: TRAINING REQUESTS and let us know your needs. A brief consulation about your needs may be required before training is approved, and a date for training given.
The training is given by one of our specialists who will guide you through the safe operation of the equipment. Training is held on a the following schedule each month:
All training sessions are limited to 5 trainees.
The OIST machine shop (Engineering Support Building) is the main area for the fabrication and assembly of custom parts in the university, with a range of state of the art staff operated machine tools present. It is also home to the users corner, where user-operated machine tools are located.
All OIST researchers are welcome to use the users corner facilities after carrying out induction, which includes the following steps:
1. Online learning
The first step to gaining access to the machine shop users corner is to complete online training available on OIST Learn (E-Front Pro).
2. Staff Induction (Basic training)
The second step is to attend a comprehensive induction to the machine shop conducted by one of our specialists. This deals with all the practicalities of the machine shop:
The induction by staff is held on the first FRIDAY of each month. The number of spaces is limited to 3 per session, registration is necessary by e-mailing mechanical@oist.jp.
Note: Completing the induction will not grant key card access to the machine shop which is limited for safety reasons.
Visiting researchers and collaborators should follow the same procedure as above, after the hosting research unit has completed the relevant steps as laid out here.
Safety
The safety of everyone working at OIST is always the top priority of the section. Within the section we strive to provide the safest working environment for all users.
To do this we require all users to be aware of safety protocols here at OIST and to work in the safest possible manner. Before beginning work please:
The machine shop is located in the Engineering Support Building, 1F, Room ES110:
Training by a member of staff is available upon request for the nanofabrication and characterization equipment managed by the section. The training is given by one of our specialists who will guide you through the operation of the equipment.
For general training inquiries please use our consultation request form. For specific training requests visit our PPMS page.
You will also need to request access to the cleanroom facilities (see section "Cleanrooms" below).
When fabrication or measurement aren't going as expected, or you are unsure which equipment or technique will give you the best results. One of our specialists may be able to help you get the desired result.
For consultation & advice please fill our consultation form and let us know the details of your project.
When fabricating or measuring samples, the helping hand of an experienced user is often useful. In this case our specialists can work with you to develop a fabrication process, or in taking a measurement.
To request our assistance please fill our consultation form and let us know the details of your project.
On some occasions a researcher may request for the item to be fabricated or measured by the section staff.
As this is the most time consuming service the section staff can offer it is only available in some cases, dependent on the project and availability of staff.
To request staff operation please fill our consultation form and let us know the details of your project.
It is important to remember when requesting the services above that staff time is limited. With increasing involvement in projects, the fewer projects can be taken on by staff members who have a range of duties to attend to.
Safety
The safety of everyone working at OIST is always the top priority of the section. Within the section we strive to provide the safest working environment for all users.
To do this we require all users to be aware of safety protocols here at OIST and to work in the safest possible manner. Before beginning work please:
Our micro/nanofabrication facilities are centered around our two Class 1000 cleanrooms, which are equipped for fabrication of samples on the nanoscale. Using the state of the art deposition, lithography and etching tools our expert staff can help you to achieve your goals. Cleanrooms are located in Labs 2 and 5.
All OIST researchers are welcome to use the facility after carrying out induction, which includes the following steps:
1. Online Learning
The first step to gaining access to the cleanroom is to complete online training available on OIST Learn (eFront Pro).
2. Cleanroom Induction (Walk around)
The second step is to attend induction given by a staff member, detailing the practical side of the cleanroom:
The induction by staff is held only on request, meeting outside of the cleanroom. Contact nanofab@oist.jp to put in your request.
3. Room access request webform
The final step is to submit a room access request via Building Facilities Management
Visiting researchers and collaborators should follow the same procedure as above, after the hosting research unit has completed the relevant steps as laid out here.
The cleanroom is located in Lab 2, Level A, Room A645 and Lab 5 D-level.
Training by a staff member is available upon request for the electronics equipment managed by the section. The training is given by one of our specialists who will guide you through the equipment's operation.
For training, please contact electronics@oist.jp and let us know the following information:
When the design, fabrication, assembly, or measurement aren't going as expected for your circuit. Or you are unsure about the equipment, component, or technique that will give you the intended results.
For consultation & advice, please contact electronics@oist.jp and let us know the details of your project.
When fabricating or measuring samples, the helping hand of an experienced user is often useful. In this case, our specialists can work with you to develop a design, assemble a circuit, or take measurements.
To request our assistance, please contact electronics@oist.jp and let us know the details of your project.
On some occasions, a researcher may request for the item to be designed, fabricated, or measured by the section staff.
As this is the most time-consuming service the section staff can offer, it is only available in some cases, depending on the project and staff availability.
To request staff operation, please contact electronics@oist.jp and let us know the details of your project.
It is important to remember when requesting the services above that staff time is limited. With increasing involvement in projects, fewer projects can be taken on by staff members who have a range of duties to attend to.
