Labmembership at SNF is open to anyone from any academic, government, private or industrial organization for any type of research and development activity that does not violate Stanford University Academic Research Policies and Procedures. Researchers not already affiliated with Stanford must abide by the guidelines set in the Agreement Form. Commercial activities (ie production of devices for sale) are strictly prohibited; although broadly defined R&D, such as development of prototypes, are within the scope of acceptable activities.

On-Site Labmembership: The Stanford Nanofabrication Facility was designed to serve as a sophisticated "sandbox", where labmembers can work hands-on with a broad range of equipment generally unavailable to researchers in academia or small companies. Most labmembers take full advantage of the opportunity to work on-site. However, certain projects may require additional processing services; for these research groups, we offer several "Remote Use" options.

Remote Labmembership: If you have a project and are unsure as to whether you have the time or expertise to execute this yourself, we offer several options for fabrication services. For more information about any of these services, please check the "Remote Tools" page. (If you have a project and are unsure as to whether it could be handled on a Remote basis, please contact one of our technical liaisons, who will be able to offer advice.):

1. SNF Remote User Process Services (subject to availability): Whether it is one step or many, our experienced process staff may be able to fabricate part or all of your device. With a variety of web-based tools, we can work with you, even real-time, to achieve your project needs.
2. Independent Contractors/Consultants: Several individuals and organizations offer custom fabrication and other services. The contractors and consultants listed here are endorsed as SNF labmembers in good standing.
3. CNRI/MEMS-Exchange: The MEMS Exchange is a "virtual" fab, a network of university and commercial fabs offering a library of MEMS-related, fabrication processes. SNF has been a member of the MEMS-Exchange since its inception.

Lab Fees are charged for equipment use, formal Process Staff support (ie, for training), and some StockRoom supplies. Lab fees cover only operating costs of our facility. Infrastructure (new equipment, most staff services) is largely supported by NSF, through our membership in the NNIN.

CORAL Logins: As a labmember, you are assigned an individual CORAL login. This is your gateway to SNF. It allows you to "enable" those tools in the lab for which you have been qualified to use. "Enabling" turns on a piece of equipment, and starts the clock for tracking lab fees; thus, your CORAL login is linked to one or more projects (see "Projects" below). Each labmember is required to have an individual CORAL login. Several labmembers in the same group, working on the same project, will each have an individual Coral login, but may charge their fees the same project.

Projects: A "project" is broadly defined as a set of activities relating to a single research effort. Many projects, if not most, involve more than one labmember.

The Lab Community: SNF is not just a cleanroom with equipment; it is a vibrant community of labmembers, sharing a dynamic working environment. As a shared resource, Labmembers are expected to follow SNF policies and procedures, and always use common courtesy (see our Respectful Workplace Policy) in dealing with each other and with university personnel.