The Colorado Nanofabrication laboratory (CNL) is an open user facility at the University of Colorado on the Boulder campus. Our mission is to provide expertise, facilities, infrastructure and teaming environments to enable and facilitate interdisciplinary research in microelectronics, optoelectronics, and MEMS.




The CNL is one of the 14 members of the National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network (NNIN). Supported by the National Science Foundation, the NNIN offers a geographically dispersed network of user facilities to enable rapid advancements in science, engineering, and technology at the nanoscale. As a member, the CNL provides access to technological expertise and nanotechnology instrumentation that would otherwise be out of reach for many researchers in industry and academia. We also participate in a multitude of NNIN educational activities.




The CNL occupies 5,500 sq ft of laboratory space equipped with a wide variety of fabrication and research tools suitable for micro/nano-electronics and MEMS devices, including photolithography, thin-film deposition, plasma and chemical etching, and characterization processes.




We welcome all students, faculty, University researchers and local businesses to our unique facilities and services. Academic and industry users can perform research on-site using facility equipment, training, and staff support.




This website provides additional information about the lab, a description of the facilities, detailed information for users and more. Feel free to contact us with your questions and suggestions.