Harvard University – LISE Project

Harvard University – LISE Project:

Designed by the celebrated Spanish architect Rafael Moneo, the 135,000-square-foot structure known as the Laboratory for Integrated Science and Engineering, or LISE, provides a physical link between Harvard’s physics and Division of Engineering and Applied Sciences communities, along with the Science Center. The Center for Nanoscale Systems (CNS) is housed in LISE and will boost collaboration in the areas of nanoscale and mesoscale science; the study of materials on an atomic scale or slightly larger. Laboratories are housed in the one-third of LISE that’s aboveground. The three-level basement house a shared CNS cleanroom providing a dust-free environment for microlithography and nanofabrication, facilities for materials synthesis, and a series of ten (10) Imaging Suites containing state-of the-art SEM, TEM and other electron microscope equipment.

FMS was engaged as the project’s EMI Consultant at the site assessment stage through final building commissioning. Both site and internal interference issues – DC, AC and RF – were significant issues in the design. FMS performed assessment of the potential for large power distribution systems to potentially affect SEM & TEM microscopes with maximum EMI threshold specification of 0.10 mG inside Imaging Suites located within 10 feet of 8,000 amp distribution circuits and the building’s high current electrical substation & main electrical distribution facilities.

Electromagnetic compatibility assessments also included evaluation of time varying DC magnetic field conditions from a nearby subway and multiple high field superconducting research magnets located in the LISE Basement. Utilizing extensive computer simulation models, FMS developed and installed multiple robust shielding schemes throughout the LISE facility to mitigate EMI threat conditions to acceptable, low field levels. FMS collaborated with research magnet manufactures to implement novel compensation designs to minimize fringe field EMI threat levels.