- Project Facts
- Client: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Completed: 2008
One of two lab renovations for new Center for Materials Science and Engineering faculty hires located in Building 13, this lab was designed for Dr. Nuh Gedik, a condensed matter experimenter, with the Department of Physics at MIT.
Dr. Gedik’s research focuses on developing and using advanced optical techniques for investigating ultra-fast processes in solids, nanostructures and interfacial molecular assemblies using ultra fast laser pulses with femtosecond durations. Robust environmental controls to stabilize temperature and humidity and limit particulates were of critical importance.
The physical space requirement called for an experiment room consisting of 2 laser tables for the study of picosecond optical excitations and picosecond electron diffraction as well as a separate sample preparation room with dedicated fumehood. Other requirements included anti-static flooring, isolation transformers, the separation of circuits for sensitive electonics, ceiling system grid for electronics/optical cabling/vacuum piping, point-of-use hepa filtering at the laser tables, black out laser grade isolation curtains and a dedicated AHU with hepa filtering for the experimental space. To isolate noise from the experiment room and to maximize usable space IKM located the AHU at ceiling height within a separate equipment room. The equipment room also served to isolate other noisy equipment such as vacuum pumps and as a place for a tank farm and parts storage.
The efforts and coordination involved in this project did not go unnoticed. Edmund Bertschinger, Professor and Head MIT Department of Physics had this to say about the process...
“I want to compliment you on the exceptional job you did on the recent lab renovations in Building 13. Your careful planning at the outset and close attention during the construction allowed us to avoid the problems that often arise in lab renovations. Everyone involved has remarked on how smoothly the renovations have gone. In my opinion, this project should serve as a model for future renovation projects.”
