University of Southern California

University of Southern California

University of Southern California (USC) expanded their research initiatives to construct a new 170,000 sf research building to include wet and dry laboratories, nanofabrication facility including cleanroom and imaging suites, and other amenities. The expansion provides researchers the ability to pattern at the submicron scale, with a range of nanfabrication and nonsynthesis tools at their disposal.

Preliminary testing took place at a USC parking lot adjacent to Irani Hall and a multi-story parking garage. On-site site sources included a nearby 150 kVA transformer, underground feeders for the USC stadium lighting and vehicular traffic traversing Downey Way and McClintock Avenue. The site provided the best-case separation distance from the MTA train tracks.

Design support for the cleanroom and instrument core was assessed and continues to be assessed for the E-Beam Lithography, X-Rays, AFM, SEMs, TEMs, ACEMs and STEMs. Per Vitatech’s analysis, relocation of the building’s main electrical room and elevator setbacks were considered and re-designed.

Posted in: Scientific Testing