Pump Priming

The National Epitaxy Facility operates a ‘Pump-Priming’ scheme where a limited number of wafers are provided to researchers free of charge and without the need for a current EPSRC grant.

The scheme is designed to stimulate UK strategic activity in III-V and group IV semiconductors with the expectation that the recipient will, within 6 months, write a full EPSRC proposal building on the results of the feasibility study. Proposals should typically aim for 1-3 deliverable structures. The scheme is open to all persons who normally qualify to hold an EPSRC grant.

REQUEST Access

VIEW OUR Pump priming projects

The Pump Priming call is now closed. We will update the website when the next call is live.

In order for us to understand the complexity of a potential request it is necessary to contact us via email (epitaxyfacility@sheffield.ac.uk) before submitting an application. You will then be put in contact with the relevant member of the growth team for initial discussions.

You will then be asked to complete the proforma (NEF Pump Priming Proforma – available from the Downloads banner to the right) outlining the strategic need for the work, the principle(s) to be demonstrated, the resources required, the time-scales involved and a statement indicating how a full EPSRC proposal should result from the successful conclusion of the short study/demonstration.

Each request will be considered for approval by the National Epitaxy Facility Pump Priming Committee with the selection of projects based on scientific quality, strategic need, and the Facility capability.

The Pump Priming scheme has recently been expanded thanks to new partnerships to include novel and emerging materials.