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Research and Prototype Foundry
Enabling fabrication at micro and nano scale
The Research and Prototype Foundry, based at the Sydney Nanoscience Hub, offers instruments for the fabrication of devices and structures with features on the micro and nano scale. Our specialised processes allow researchers and industry to develop and prototype new devices.
The Research and Prototype Foundry (RPF) enables fabrication of a wide range of research material and devices, with applications in areas including optical chips, electronics, microfluidics and new quantum science and technology.
We provide access to state-of-the-art instruments and processes for lithography, etching, deposition, and metrology, backed up by a team of expert process engineers. Our capabilities and services support early development, enabling researchers and industry alike to make devices and prototype new ideas.
The Research and Prototype Foundry is a Core Research Facility based at the Sydney Nanoscience Hub and is a member of the Australian National Fabrication Facility network.
Facilities and access
| Cleanroom | Level 2 Sydney Nanoscience Hub (A31) Approximately 700sqm of ISO 5 cleanroom space which houses Sydney’s deposition, etching, lithography, metrology, and wet processing facilities. |
| Packaging & Soft Lithography Facility | Lab 3021 Sydney Nanoscience Hub (A31) Approximately 75sqm of semi-clean space for PDMS processing and packaging. |
| Fibre Fabrication Facility | Physics Building (A28) Fibre draw tower and CNC mill. |
| Advanced Fibre Bragg Grating Facility | Physics Building (A28) FBG writing, testing, and annealing, plus fibre laser testing |
Send us your project goals and requirements, and our staff will put together a tailored registration and training program to ensure that you can make the most of our facilities.
- Consultation. Once we receive your project enquiry, our staff will work with you to put together a viable project design, taking into account factors such as experimental scope, instrument requirements, and budget.
- Activation. We will assist you in registering your project, and will guide you through any necessary formalities prior to project commencement.
- Induction. We will organise a bespoke instrument training program specific to your needs, giving you autonomous access to our facilities to complete your project.
If you are a University of Sydney researcher at postdoctoral level and above, you may be eligible for support through the Sydney Research Infrastructure Access Grants program (formerly 'Core Research Facilities User Access Scheme').
These grants support access to Core Research Facilities and Research Service Units for high-quality research by researchers whose opportunities may otherwise be limited. This program supports the University's strategic goals in research excellence and diversity and inclusion.
Download the grant guidelines (pdf, 660kB) for details.
At the Research and Prototype Foundry, micro and nano-scale devices are made in our cleanroom. A cleanroom is a laboratory where the environment is strictly controlled to eliminate contaminants such as humidity and dust, which can affect sensitive products and processes. In the cleanroom, engineers wear masks and anti-static coverall suits to protect the space from hair, skin and other trace pollutants that people can leave behind. The Research and Prototype Foundry’s cleanroom appears yellow because it filters out blue light, which can cause certain materials to harden.