To facilitate research endeavors at the University of Arizona (UA), we seek funding for the acquisition of the
Nanoscribe Quantum X Shape 3D microfabrication system from Nanoscribe GmbH & Co. KG. This system will
be integrated into the Precision Freeform-optics Design, Fabrication, and Testing (PF-DFT) Facility at the
College of Optical Sciences (COS), with the objective of advancing current and future NIH projects in basic,
translational, and clinical biomedical research.
The Nanoscribe Quantum X Shape system is purposefully designed for fabricating high-precision components
used in various fields, including biomedical imaging, microfluidics, life sciences, micromechanics, and material
engineering. It excels in the microfabrication of 2.5D and 3D objects with submicrometer precision on areas up
to 25 cm2. Notably, it enables feature size control down to 100 nm, enabling nano and microscale printing, as
well as mesoscale printing for objects up to 50 mm in size. Furthermore, the system offers an extensive selection
of printing materials, including those suitable for printing glass elements used in micro-optics and microfluidics,
as well as biocompatible materials essential for printing parts utilized in microfluidic devices and drug delivery
systems.
Since its establishment, the PF-DFT Facility has been dedicated to supporting both internal and external users
in advancing their NIH-funded projects. The acquisition of the Nanoscribe Quantum X Shape system will
significantly enhance PF-DFT's capacity to assist a broader range of users in biomedical optical imaging and
other fields that were previously inaccessible, such as microfluidics. This advanced equipment will empower
researchers in these areas to achieve breakthroughs and explore new avenues of inquiry.
Our overarching goal in requesting this funding is to establish a robust micro-fabrication capability that enables
the rapid prototyping of biomedical optical devices, microfluidic devices, and other novel components for NIH-
funded projects. Integrating the Nanoscribe Quantum X Shape 3D microfabrication system into the PF-DFT
Facility will provide investigators with the means to explore previously inaccessible design spaces and fabricate
intricate precision components and systems. To further support our efforts, Nanoscribe is considering the
establishment of a Center of Excellence (COE) at UA, catering specifically to users in the southwestern region.
This envisioned COE would provide valuable expertise and support to researchers utilizing the Nanoscribe
Quantum X Shape system, further enhancing the success and impact of micro-fabrication endeavors in the
region.