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# National Epitaxy Facility

Providing high-quality epitaxial wafers for over 40 years

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [News & Events](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/news-events/) - An overview of our latest news and events we have attended
- [International Women In Engineering Day](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/international-women-in-engineering-day/) - We were proud to celebrate International Women in Engineering Day on the 23rd June. At the National Epitaxy Facility, we our proud that over 30% of our staff our women. Read more about our inspiring engineers and staff who are building a more inclusive future for engineering: Women in Engineering LinkedIn pdfDownload
- [PhD Student Pint of Science Talk](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/phd-student-pint-of-science-talk/) - One of our PhD students Katie O'Flaherty gave an insightful talk this week at the Pint of Science UK event in Sheffield!
- [NEF's First Virtual Open Day & ECR Event](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/nefs-first-virtual-open-day-ecr-event/) - We successfully hosted our first ever Virtual Open Day and Early Career Researcher (ECR) event on Monday 13 April
- [EPSRC & UK Semiconductor Centre Visit](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/epsrc-uk-semiconductor-centre-visit/) - We were delighted to welcome both EPSRC and the UK Semiconductor Centre to the Facility in Sheffield at the beginning of March
- [Visit from the Office for Quantum from DSIT](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/dsit-visit/) - It was a pleasure to be involved in a visit from the Office for Quantum from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on Monday at the The University of Sheffield
- [EDI Pilot Study to Increase Diversity of Semiconductor Researchers](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/edi-pilot-study-to-increase-diversity-of-semiconductor-researchers/) - We have partnered with REWIRE-IKC, CHIMES-IKC and The Compound Semiconductor Manufacturing Hub for a Sustainable Future to launch a new opportunity to help drive meaningful change in the UK semiconductor sector.
- [National Epitaxy Facility Community Consultation](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/national-epitaxy-facility-community-consultation/) - We are undertaking a community consultation to inform our strategic development for the next 5-10 years.
- [National Epitaxy Facility Virtual Open Day & ECR event](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/national-epitaxy-facility-virtual-open-day-ecr-event/) - We are excited to announce we are holding the first National Epitaxy Facility (NEF) Virtual Open Day and Early Career Researcher (ECR) event on Monday 13th April 2026.
- [DSIT's £6.6m investment into semiconductor infrastructure](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/dsits-6-6m-investment-into-semiconductor-infrastructure/) - We’re delighted to share that the National Epitaxy Facility has received new funding as part of a £6.6m investment from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).
- [Pump Priming Call](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/pump-priming-call-3/) - We are pleased to announce the next call for applications to the NEF Pump Priming scheme is open from Monday 2nd March - Friday 10th April.
- [UoS Engineer Your Future Events](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/uos-engineer-your-future-events/) - We attended The University of Sheffield's Global Engineering Challenge yesterday as part of the annual Engineer Your Future event.The cross-faculty event is for 1st year Undergraduate students, and is aimed at developing students' ability to take on real-life engineering projects. It is a great way for students to find out about Facility and potentially, in
- [UK Semiconductors 2026 Registration](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/uk-semiconductors-2026-registration/) - We are pleased to announce that registration for UK Semiconductors 2026 is now open! 🗓️ Dates: Wednesday 1st and Thursday 2nd July 2026📍Location: Sheffield Hallam University📹 View last year's conference video: UKS 2025 Video Book Now! Exhibitors Information will be provided for exhibitors in our Exhibitor Pack, which will be initially sent out to those signed up to our Exhibitor
- [Christmas Newsletter 2025](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/christmas-newsletter-2025/) - Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from everyone at the National Epitaxy Facility! Please see our Christmas Newsletter below. We hope you enjoy reading a summary of this year's news and achievements! Please note the Facility will be closed from Thursday 25th December - Friday 2nd January inclusively. NEF Christmas Newsletter 2025Download
- [Recent Events/Conferences](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/recent-events-conferences/) - Staff at the Facility have been to various events and conferences over the past few months, promoting the Facility and their research: UK National Quantum Technologies Showcase Dr Zofia Bishop attended the UK National Quantum Technologies Showcase on the 7th November, exhibiting with the University of Surrey's Ion Beam Centre. The event, held at the
- [Westminster All Party Parliamentary Group meeting on Semiconductors](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/westminster-all-party-parliamentary-group-meeting-on-semiconductors/) - Our Director, Professor Jon Heffernan, and Head of MOVPE, Dr Elisa Sala attended the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) meeting on Semiconductors in Westminster.
- [UK Semiconductors Conference 2025](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/uk-semiconductors-conference-2025-2/) - The UK Semiconductors Conference 2025 took place on Wednesday 2nd and Thursday 3rd July at Sheffield Hallam University.
- [NEF MOVPE paper published](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/nef-movpe-paper-published/) - Director Jon Heffernan and Head of MOVPE, Dr Elisa Sala, co-authored the paper titled 'Spin properties in droplet epitaxy grown telecom quantum dots' with the Department of Physics at the University of Sheffield, and also the University of Dortmund, which has been recently published in Physical Review B. In the publication they explored the spin
- [University of Sheffield video highlighting our semiconductor research](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/university-of-sheffield-video-highlighting-our-semiconductor-research/) - Our Director, Prof Jon Heffernan, has been interviewed by the University of Sheffield showcasing the strength of our semiconductor research and spin out companies. The video shows our cleanroom and facilities, and explains how our development of semiconductor materials and applications is essential in the production of advanced semiconductor devices and technology. To view the
- [NEF Director elected as a Fellow at the Royal Academy of Engineering](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/nef-director-elected-as-a-fellow-at-the-royal-academy-of-engineering/) - We are delighted to congratulate our Director Prof Jon Heffernan in being elected a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering. Jon joins 73 other leading figures in the fields of engineering and technology to be elected this year, in making an exception contribution to semiconductor research. Jon was elected at the Academy's AGM last
- [ISO9001 External Audit](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/iso9001-external-audit/) - We are pleased to announce that we have passed the annual ISO9001 external audit.
- [Pump Priming Call](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/pump-priming-call-2/) - Our Priming call is open, with a closing date of Tuesday 9th September. The Pump Priming scheme provides a limited number of wafers to researchers free of charge and without the need for a current EPSRC grant. It is designed to stimulate UK strategic activity in Group III-V and Group IV semiconductors with the expectation that
- [UK Semiconductors 2025 Video](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/uk-semiconductors-2025-video/) - We are delighted to share the UK Semiconductors 2025 video! The video provides a well-rounded overview of this year's event, including insights from Conference Chair Dr Ed Clarke, National Epitaxy Facility PhD student Katie O'Flaherty, and viewpoints shared by delegates and exhibitors. Many thanks to conference photographer and videography Laure Divisia of ADVA Photography.
- [Christmas Newsletter 2023](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/christmas-newsletter-2023/) - Merry Christmas from the National Epitaxy Facility and we hope you enjoy our Christmas Newsletter which a summary of this year's events and achievements.
- [Recruitment for MBE Research Associate](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/recruitment-for-mbe-research-associate/) - We are recruiting a Research Associate in Molecular Beam Epitaxy! The role is based at the Facility at the University of Sheffield, in the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. The successful applicant will carry out original research on III-V semiconductor epitaxy contributing to a number of research projects in the areas of quantum technologies
- [Upcoming Careers Fair & PhD Open Day](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/upcoming-careers-fair-phd-open-day/) - We are attending the University of Sheffield Careers Fair on Wednesday 5th May and holding another PhD Open Day on Wednesday 14th May
- [New MBE Equipment Award](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/new-mbe-equipment-award/) - The University of Sheffield has won a £7 million investment to fund new equipment that will revolutionise the discovery and development of new semiconductor materials. New Molecular Beam Epitaxy equipment will use AI to help accelerate semiconductor materials discovery. Semiconductor materials – the computer chips that power the technology we rely on daily, from smartphones
- [Prof Rachel Oliver OBE](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/prof-rachel-oliver-obe/) - We are delighted to congratulate NEF's Professor Rachel Oliver for being awarded an OBE in the New Years Honours List 2025
- [UK Semiconductors Conference 2025](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/uk-semiconductors-conference-2025/) - This year's conference is being held on Wednesday 2nd and Thursday 3rd July at Sheffield Hallam University.
- [LRQA Renewal of ISO 9001:2015 Certificate](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/lrqa-renewal-of-iso-90012015-certificate/) - The LRQA have renewed our ISO 9001:2015 certificate after a successful audit
- [PhD Open Day - Wednesday 4th December](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/phd-open-day-wednesday-4th-december/) - We are holding a PhD Open Day for undergraduate and MSc students interested in undertaking a PhD studentship with us.
- [Christmas Newsletter 2024](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/christmas-newsletter-2024/) - Wishing our Users a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from everyone at the National Epitaxy Facility!
- [Talk at IOP's Quantum and Nanotechnology Undergraduate Day 2024](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/talk-at-iops-quantum-and-nanotechnology-undergraduate-day-2024/) - Research Associate, Dr Nick Bailey, gave a talk to undergraduate students and promoted our PhD open day at the annual IOP event.
- [University of Tennessee Knoxville Visit](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/university-of-tennessee-knoxville-visit/) - The University of Tennessee Knoxville visited the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Sheffield in November, which included a tour around the National Epitaxy Facility.
- [NEF Annual Meeting](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/nef-annual-meeting/) - We held our annual all staff meeting at the University of Sheffield at the end of January
- [UK MBE Meeting](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/uk-mbe-meeting/) - Our MBE team in Sheffield attended the UK MBE meeting at the University of Warwick this week.
- [NEF talk at Scale-up and Specifications for Photonic Quantum Technology workshop](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/nef-talk-at-scale-up-and-specifications-for-photonic-quantum-technology-workshop/) - Our Head of MOVPE, Dr Elisa M Sala, is presenting at the Scale-up and Specifications for Photonic Quantum Technology workshop at the National Physical Laboratory in London held on 30th-31st October.
- [Pump Priming Call](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/pump-priming-call/) - The next Pump Priming call is on Thursday 1st August!
- [UK Semiconductors Conference 2024](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/uk-semiconductors-conference-2024/) - The annual UK Semiconductors Conference took place last week on Monday 8th and Tuesday 9th July, organised by the National Epitaxy Facility.
- [Programme for Online Event: Creating an innovation pipeline for Compound Semiconductor Technologies in the UK.](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/programme-for-online-event-creating-an-innovation-pipeline-for-compound-semiconductor-technologies-in-the-uk/) - Final Programme for online event on Wednesday 9th February 2022, 10:00-16:00.
- [Future Photonics Hub video - Jon Heffernan discusses Integrated Photonics.](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/future-photonics-hub-video-jon-heffernan-discusses-integrated-photonics/) - Integrated Photonics is creating new materials, one atom at a time.
- [Future Photonics Hub video - Photonics Manufacturing including the work of the epitaxy facility.](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/future-photonics-hub-video-photonics-manufacturing-including-the-work-of-the-epitaxy-facility/) - The Future Photonics Hub - Together, we ask new questions and find new solutions.
- ['Creating an Innovation Pipeline for Compound Semiconductor Technologies in the UK'.  9th February 2022.  Summary and slides.](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/creating-an-innovation-pipeline-for-compound-semiconductor-technologies-in-the-uk-9th-february-2022-summary-and-slides/) - Summary of the roundtable discussion and slides from the event, held on 9th February 2022. Half day forum follow up at UK Semiconductors conference is planned in July 2022 - topics invited.
- [Community response to BEIS inquiry on Semiconductor Industry in the UK](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/community-response-to-beis-inquiry-on-semiconductor-industry-in-the-uk/) - Invitation to contribute to the National Epitaxy Facility's submission to the inquiry on the strength and weaknesses of the semiconductor industry in the UK.
- [National Epitaxy Facility renewed for a further 5 years](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/national-epitaxy-facility-renewed-for-a-further-5-years/) - Following a community statement-of-need in 2019 and a competitive bid to EPSRC, the National Epitaxy Facility has been funded for a further five years from the 1st of July 2022.
- [EPSRC National Epitaxy Facility exhibited at the Westminster Photonics and Quantum Showcase](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/epsrc-national-epitaxy-facility-exhibited-at-the-westminster-photonics-and-quantum-showcase/) - The Facility attended the 2022 Westminster Showcase together with select UK semiconductors leaders to discuss the industrial strategy with MPs and civil servants.
- [Research Associate Vacancy in Metal-Organic Vapour-Phase Epitaxy](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/research-associate-vacancy-in-metal-organic-vapour-phase-epitaxy/) - We are looking for an experienced and ambitious Research Associate in Metal-Organic Vapour Phase Epitaxy to lead world-class research and development of MOVPE of As, P, Sb based III-V semiconductors.
- [EPSRC National Epitaxy Facility hosted UK Semiconductors 2022](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/epsrc-national-epitaxy-facility-hosted-uk-semiconductors-2022/) - We were delighted to host the UK Semiconductors 2022 conference in Sheffield on 6-7 July, which has attracted over 250 delegates and exhibitors.
- [Facility Administrator Vacancy](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/facility-administrator-vacancy/) - We are looking for an enthusiastic and versatile Administrator to join our dynamic research team at the University of Sheffield, and provide wide-ranging support to our growing Facility.
- [Senior Technician Vacancy](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/senior-technician-vacancy/) - There is yet another opportunity to join our diverse team! We are looking for a proactive Senior Technician with experience of managing active laboratory facilities.
- [Job Vacancy, Research Associate in Semiconductor Photonic Devices](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/job-vacancy-research-associate-in-semiconductor-photonic-devices/) - Full time, fixed term for 30 months, starting as soon as possible. Closing date: 4th March 2021. Applications for this post are now closed.
- [Job Vacancy, Research Associate in Mid-Infrared Photonics](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/job-vacancy-research-associate-in-mid-infrared-photonics/) - Full time, fixed term for 2 years. Closing date: 5th March 2021. Applications for this post are now closed.
- [Job Vacancy, Operations/Business Development Manager](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/job-vacancy-operations-business-development-manager/) - Full time, fixed term for one year. Closing date: 3rd March 2021. Applications for this post are now closed.
- [We are recruiting at the University of Sheffield!](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/we-are-recruiting-at-the-university-of-sheffield/) - We have a number of exciting new post-doctoral positions available in the field of Photonics at the University of Sheffield. Applications for these posts are now closed.
- [An exciting opportunity for an Operations/Business Development Manager](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/an-exciting-opportunity-for-an-operations-business-development-manager/) - We are seeking a motivated and experienced Operations/Business Development Manager to join the National Epitaxy Facility. Applications for this post are now closed.
- [Job Vacancy, Research Fellow in Metal Organic Vapour Phase Epitaxy (MOVPE)](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/job-vacancy-research-fellow-in-metal-organic-vapour-phase-epitaxy-movpe/) - Full time, fixed term for 3 years. Closing date: 18th June 2021.
- [15th International Conference on Mid-Infrared Optoelectronics: Materials and Devices (MIOMD), 1-3 September 2021 (online)](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/15th-international-conference-on-mid-infrared-optoelectronics-materials-and-devices-miomd-1-3-september-2021-online/) - Call for abstracts: Deadline 10th June 2021
- [Vacancy: Lectureships in Electronic Engineering x4, UCL, London.](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/vacancy-lectureships-in-electronic-engineering-x4-ucl-london/) - UCL are recruiting 4 full time lecturers, one in MBE growth, starting September 2021, London. Ref:1876638. Closing date: 29th June 2021.
- [UKRI Pre-announcement Quantum Technology Career Development Fellowships](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/ukri-pre-announcement-quantum-technology-career-development-fellowships/) - ESPRC fellowship funding available in Quantum Technology. Opening date: 4th August 2021, closing date: 6th October 2021.
- [University of Sheffield Quantum Technology Researchers awarded a >£6m EPSRC Programme Grant](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/university-of-sheffield-quantum-technology-researchers-awarded-a-6m-epsrc-programme-grant/) - Researchers at the University of Sheffield have been awarded £6.1m to study light emitting semiconductor nanostructures, led by Professor Maurice Skolnick.
- [Professor Jon Heffernan, Co-Investigator of MISSION, a new EPSRC collaboration](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/professor-jon-heffernan-co-investigator-of-mission-a-new-epsrc-collaboration/) - Professor Jon Heffernan is part of a new EPSRC collaboration with Universities of Southampton and York, University Hospital of Southampton and the National Oceanography Centre.
- [Future Photonics Hub: Bringing Quantum Research into Manufacturing of the future](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/future-photonics-hub-bringing-quantum-research-into-manufacturing-of-the-future/) - Jon Heffernan is involved in pioneering development and commercialisation of world leading quantum science and technology.
- [Job vacancy, Research Associate in Metal Organic Vapour Phase Epitaxy (MOVPE)](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/job-vacancy-research-associate-in-metal-organic-vapour-phase-epitaxy-movpe/) - Full time, fixed term for 3 years. Closing date: 8th October 2021.
- [National Epitaxy Facility Virtual Tour](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/national-epitaxy-facility-virtual-tour/) - Tour our laboratory space and see our state-of-the-art equipment.
- [Job Vacancy, Research Associate in Metal Organic Phase Epitaxy](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/job-vacancy-research-associate-in-metal-organic-phase-epitaxy/) - Full time, fixed term for 3 years. Closing date: 22nd November 2021.
- [Save the Date - Wednesday 9th February 2022](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/save-the-date-wednesday-9th-february-2022/) - Save the Date: Wednesday 9 February 2022 Online Community meeting. Registration details to follow in January 2022.
- [Research Associate Vacancy in Molecular Beam Epitaxy](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/research-associate-vacancy-in-molecular-beam-epitaxy/) - Fixed term 6 months. Closing date 21st December 2021.
- [Register for our Online event - 'Creating an innovation pipeline for the Compound Semiconductor Technologies in the UK', Wednesday 9th February 2022, 10am to 4pm.](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/register-for-our-online-event-creating-an-innovation-pipeline-for-the-compound-semiconductor-technologies-in-the-uk-wednesday-9th-february-2022-10am-to-4pm/) - Programme and registration details.
- [Final Programme Announcement for Online Event: 9th February 2022](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/final-programme-announcement-for-online-event-9th-february-2022/) - 'Creating an innovation pipeline for Compound Semiconductor Technologies in the UK. A one-day online community meeting hosted by the National Epitaxy Facility. Register by 4th February 2022.
- [UK Semiconductors Annual Conference 2019 - Registration](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/uk-semiconductors-annual-conference-2019-registration/) - To be held Wednesday 10th and Thursday 11th July 2019, Sheffield Hallam University
- [UK Semiconductors conference 2019, 10th-11th July 2019, Sheffield Hallam University](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/uk-semiconductors-conference-2019-10th-11th-july-2019-sheffield-hallam-university/) - The UK Semiconductors conference 2019 will be held 10th-11th July 2019 in association with the TMD-UK meeting and the EPSRC Future Photonics Hub Industry Day. Registration now open.
- [Article published in Science 'Quantum interface of an electron and a nuclear ensemble', Gangloff et al.](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/article-published-in-science-quantum-interface-of-an-electron-and-a-nuclear-ensemble-gangloff-et-al/) - Published on 5th April 2019.
- [Call announcement for National Epitaxy Facility Pump Priming applications](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/call-announcement-for-national-epitaxy-facility-pump-priming-applications-2/) - This round is now closed but you can still submit an application which will be considered at the next round.
- [Article published in Physical Review Letters on 'Tunable Photon Statistics Exploiting the Fano Effect in a Waveguide'](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/article-published-in-physical-review-letters-on-tunable-photon-statistics-exploiting-the-fano-effect-in-a-waveguide/) - Published on 3rd May 2019.
- [Article published in Science & Applications on 'Broadband THz absorption spectrometer based on excitonic nonlinear optical effects'](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/article-published-in-science-broadband-thz-absorption-spectrometer-based-on-excitonic-nonlinear-optical-effects/) - Published on 13 March 2019.
- [Article in Journal of Physics on 'AlInP photodiode x-ray detectors'](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/article-in-journal-of-physics-on-alinp-photodiode-x-ray-detectors/) - Published on 21 March 2019.
- [UK Semiconductors conference 2020 Save the Date!](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/uk-semiconductors-conference-2020-save-the-date/) - UK Semiconductors conference 2020 dates are announced as 8th & 9th July 2020.
- [Sheffield University Quantum Centre](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/sheffield-university-quantum-centre/) - A University-wide collaboration of researchers developing quantum technologies at Sheffield.
- [Job Vacancy, Research Associate in Semiconductor Quantum Optics at Telecommunications Wavelengths](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/job-vacancy-research-associate-in-semiconductor-quantum-optics-at-telecommunications-wavelengths/) - Full time vacancy, fixed term for two years.
- [National Epitaxy Facility News Bulletin (November 2019)](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/national-epitaxy-facility-news-bulletin-november-2019/) - Issued November 2019.
- [UK Semiconductors 2020 conference dates announced](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/uk-semiconductors-2020-conference-dates-announced/) - UKS-20 will be held on Wednesday 8th and Thursday 9th July 2020 - Save the Date in your calendar!
- [Launch of Sheffield Quantum Centre - 22nd January 2020 & Official Opening of new MBE Cluster Tool](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/launch-of-sheffield-quantum-centre-22nd-january-2020-official-opening-of-new-mbe-cluster-tool/) - University of Sheffield launches Quantum centre and the £2.1m new MBE Cluster Tool is opened.
- [National Epitaxy Facility News Bulletin (February 2020)](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/national-epitaxy-facility-news-bulletin-february-2020/) - Read the latest news bulletin issued February 2020.
- [UK Semiconductors 2020 conference postponed](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/uk-semiconductors-2020-conference-postponed/) - The UK Semiconductors conference is postponed to a later date.
- [Article in Rapid Research Letters: 'InAs/InP Quantum Dots in Etched Pits by Droplet Epitaxy in Metalorganic Vapor Phase Epitaxy'](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/article-in-rapid-research-letters-inas-inp-quantum-dots-in-etched-pits-by-droplet-epitaxy-in-metalorganic-vapor-phase-epitaxy/) - Published June 2020. Sala et al.
- [UK Semiconductors Conference 2020 cancelled](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/uk-semiconductors-conference-2020-cancelled/) - The National Epitaxy Facility take the difficult decision to cancel this year's UK Semiconductors conference due to Covid-19 restrictions.
- [EPSRC announce call for Statement of Need for National Research Facilities (July 2020)](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/epsrc-announce-call-for-statement-of-need-for-national-research-facilities-july-2020/) - In response to this call from EPSRC, The National Epitaxy Facility will be organising a Statement of Need (SoN) submission for future epitaxy requirements in the UK.
- [Online Community Consultation meetings held on 9th and 14th October 2020](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/online-community-consultation-meetings-held-on-9th-and-14th-october-2020/) - In response to the EPSRC call for Statement of Need for National Research Facilities, The National Epitaxy Facility organised online events to capture future epitaxy requirements in the UK.
- [Job Vacancy, Research Associate in Integrated Photonics](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/job-vacancy-research-associate-in-integrated-photonics/) - Full time vacancy, fixed term until April 2024. Closing date: 28th February 2021. Applications for this post are now closed.
- [EPSRC announces new brand for National Research Facilities](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/epsrc-announces-new-brand-for-national-research-facilities/) - EPSRC Announcement October 2017
- [Celebrating the Year of Engineering (YoE) 2018](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/celebrating-the-year-of-engineering-yoe-2018/) - Celebrating the Year of Engineering (YoE) 2018 launches 15th J an - Fri 19th Jan.
- [Collaborative article features in IOP 2017 highlights collection](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/collaborative-article-features-in-iop-2017-highlights-collection/) - Semiconductor Science and Technology (SST) article chosen for IOP 2017 highlights collection
- [National Epitaxy Facility Pump Priming Scheme](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/national-epitaxy-facility-pump-priming-scheme/) - A Pump priming scheme is available to users
- [Annual report by The Future Photonics Hub](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/annual-report-by-the-future-photonics-hub/) - The Future Photonics Hub releases their 2016 annual report.
- [Paul Blomfield, MP for Sheffield Central, explores our state-of-the-art Facility](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/paul-blomfield-mp-for-sheffield-central-explores-our-state-of-the-art-facility/) - Paul Blomfield, MP for Sheffield Central, visited the Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Sheffield, in February 2018, and talked with researchers about the National Epitaxy Facility
- [Flat band polaritons spotted in Lieb lattice](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/flat-band-polaritons-spotted-in-lieb-lattice/) - Research update on flat-band polaritons in Physics World
- [National Epitaxy Facility News (Issue 1)](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/national-epitaxy-facility-news-issue-1/) - Our April 2018 News bulletin is issued.
- [Researchers collaborating on ambitious £5.54m manufacturing innovation project](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/researchers-collaborating-on-ambitious-5-54m-manufacturing-innovation-project/) - Researchers in the National Epitaxy Facility to collaborate on ambitious £5.54m manufacturing innovation project for advanced materials and devices.
- [Report on "UK Photonics: The Hidden Economic Engine” is launched to mark the International Day of Light (16th May 2018)](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/report-on-uk-photonics-the-hidden-economic-engine-is-launched-to-mark-the-international-day-of-light-16th-may-2018/) - To mark the International Day of Light a report by the Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN), the Future Photonics Hub and the Photonics Leadership Group (PLG) is launched on 16 May 2018.
- [The Future Photonics Hub Industry Day 2018 - Thursday 20th September 2018, University of Southampton](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/the-future-photonics-hub-industry-day-2018-thursday-20th-september-2018-university-of-southampton/) - Registration for the Hub Industry Day is now open. Free delegate registration.
- [Summary of the UK Semiconductors conference 2018 held 4th-5th July](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/summary-of-the-uk-semiconductors-conference-2018-held-4th-5th-july/) - Thank you to all of the sponsors, speakers and poster presenters for making another hugely successful meeting and to Sheffield Hallam University for hosting UKS2018.
- [The Future Photonics Hub (the Hub) has announced funding for five new research projects that seek to develop a pathway to manufacture for the next-generation photonics technologies.](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/the-future-photonics-hub-the-hub-has-announced-funding-for-five-new-research-projects-that-seek-to-develop-a-pathway-to-manufacture-for-the-next-generation-photonics-technologies/) - £250k from the Future Photonics Hub Innovation Fund, supported by the Engineering and Research Council (EPSRC), has been awarded to industry-focused research projects.
- [Exhibit at The Future Photonics Hub Industry Day - 20th September 2018](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/exhibit-at-the-future-photonics-hub-industry-day-20th-september-2018/) - Standard exhibitor registration closes 7th September 2018. Delegate registration closes 9th September 2018.
- [Published paper on High purcell factor generation of indistinguishable on-chip single photons, Feng Liu, et al](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/published-paper-on-high-purcell-factor-generation-of-indistinguishable-on-chip-single-photons-feng-liu-et-al/) - Published online 16 July 2018.
- [Low Dimensional Structures and Devices group meet with Lee Rowley, MP for North East Derbyshire](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/low-dimensional-structures-and-devices-group-meet-with-lee-rowley-mp-for-north-east-derbyshire/) - On 20th July the LDSD group welcomed Lee Rowley MP to discuss the group's research
- [Job Vacancy, Research Associate in Semiconductor Photonic Devices - Hetero-Print project.  Closing date: 31st October 2018.](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/job-vacancy-research-associate-in-semiconductor-photonic-devices-hetero-print-project-closing-date-31st-october-2018/) - Full time vacancy, fixed term for 4 years.
- [National Epitaxy Facility News (Issue 2)](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/national-epitaxy-facility-news-issue-2/) - Our November 2018 News bulletin is issued.
- [Year of Engineering 2018 Campaign](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/year-of-engineering-2018-campaign/) - EPSRC Year of Engineering Advent Calendar
- [Call announcement for National Epitaxy Facility Pump Priming](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/call-announcement-for-national-epitaxy-facility-pump-priming/) - The closing date for this round of applications is 31st January 2019.
- [University of Sheffield Science, Technology & Engineering Fair](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/university-of-sheffield-science-technology-engineering-fair/) - We are exhibiting at the Autumn Careers Fair on Wednesday 15th October from 12-3pm advertising our PhD studentships
- [UK Semiconductors 2024 Video](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/uk-semiconductors-2024-video/) - The video from UK Semiconductors 2024 is now available!
- [Recent Conferences](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/recent-conferences/) - Our team have attended and given talks at various conferences this summer, including in America, China, Japan and Italy, promoting new research and developments achieved at the Facility.
- [Molecular Beam Epitaxy Cluster System Community Consultation](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/molecular-beam-epitaxy-cluster-system-community-consultation/) - We are seeking investment in a new state-of-the-art MBE Cluster System to continue to provide high-quality epitaxial wafers and present novel growth capabilities, allowing for new research directions.
- [NEF work highlighted in the RAEng Quantum Infrastructure Review](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/nef-work-highlighted-in-the-raeng-quantum-infrastructure-review/) - We are referenced in the report for our 'great strength in the area of GaAs and InP compound semiconductors', heterogeneous integration technologies and transfer printing.
- [Semiconductor Insights from the Global Expert Mission to Republic of Korea](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/semiconductor-insights-from-the-global-expert-mission-to-republic-of-korea/) - The outcomes from Innovate UK's Global Expert Mission are being presented at ChipStart UK Showcase on Thursday 13th June.
- [PhD Open Day](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/phd-open-day/) - We are holding at PhD Open Day on Wednesday 8th May at the University of Sheffield
- [UK Semiconductor Advisory Panel visit to the National Epitaxy Facility](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/uk-semiconductor-advisory-panel-visit-to-the-national-epitaxy-facility/) - The visit coincided with the meeting of the National Semiconductor Advisory Board in Sheffield.
- [Innovate UK’s Global Expert Mission in Semiconductors to South Korea](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/innovate-uks-global-expert-mission-in-semiconductors-to-south-korea/) - The National Epitaxy Facility's Director, Professor Jon Heffernan, attended the Innovate UK Global Expert Mission (GEM) in Semiconductors in the Republic of Korea.
- [NEF MOVPE Research on Telecom Quantum Dots Published](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/nef-movpe-research-on-telecom-quantum-dots-published/) - A research article has been published on MOVPE-grown telecom quantum dots developed at the National Epitaxy Facility.
- [Exhibitions & Presentations](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/exhibitions-presentations/) - We are exhibiting and giving talks at various conferences and events over the next few months. Please come and see us if you are attending!
- [PhD Open Day - Tuesday 28th November](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/phd-open-day-tuesday-28th-november/) - We are holding another PhD Open Day for prospective PhD students on Tuesday 28th November at the Facility's headquarters at the University of Sheffield.
- [UK Semiconductors Conference 2023 Video](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/uk-semiconductors-conference-2023-video/) - This year's conference video is now available!
- [Article Published on InAs Quantum Dots on InGaAsP/InP by the National Epitaxy Facility's Head of MOVPE](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/article-published-on-inas-quantum-dots-on-ingaasp-inp-by-the-national-epitaxy-facilitys-head-of-movpe/) - The research article written by our Head of MOVPE, Dr Elisa M Sala, was published in Advanced Science News.
- [Micro-Transfer Print Tool addition at the National Epitaxy Facility](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/micro-transfer-print-tool-addition-at-the-national-epitaxy-facility/) - The National Epitaxy Facility has expanded into the field of heterogeneous integration with the addition of a Micro-Transfer Print Tool.
- [Growth of the Sheffield Team](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/growth-of-the-sheffield-team/) - We are delighted to announce further growth of our team!
- [Semiconductor Advisory Panel Formed](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/semiconductor-advisory-panel-formed/) - The first UK's Semiconductor Advisory Panel meeting was held on 3rd August to begin the work on delivering the National Semiconductor Strategy.
- [Workshop held on the UK Semiconductor Infrastructure Initiative - 14th July 2023](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/workshop-held-on-the-uk-semiconductor-infrastructure-initiative-14th-july-2023/) - A workshop was held with industry and academia to validate the results from the recent survey identifying existing UK semiconductor capabilities, user needs, and areas of competitive advantage.
- [Pump Priming Call Open!](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/pump-priming-call-open/) - The next call for Pump Priming applications is now open with a deadline of Monday 4th September 2023.
- [UK Semiconductors Conference 2023](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/uk-semiconductors-conference-2023/) - The National Epitaxy Facility hosted the annual UK Semiconductors Conference in Sheffield last week with over 300 delegates and 36 exhibitors!
- [UK National Strategy for Semiconductors](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/uk-national-strategy-for-semiconductors/) - The National Epitaxy Facility welcomes the release of the UK National Strategy for Semiconductors; announced by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
- [National Roadshows](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/national-roadshows/) - We are pleased to announce our UK roadshows have resumed again after Covid, with a successful visit to the University of Manchester in May.
- [Pump Priming Scheme Call](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/pump-priming-scheme-call/) - The scheme has recently been expanded to cover a broader range of materials. Applications are now open with a deadline of Friday, 12th May 2023.
- [EPSRC Industrial CASE PhD Studentship](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/epsrc-industrial-case-phd-studentship/) - An Industrial CASE award is available for a PhD studentship in the Epitaxial Growth and Characterisation of Novel Materials for Long-Wavelength semiconductor lasers & detectors.
- [Staff Updates](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/staff-updates/) - We are delighted to announce the growth of our team and internal promotions in the Facility.
- [UK Semiconductors Conference 12-13 July 2023](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/uk-semiconductors-conference-12-13-july-2023/) - We are pleased to announce the UK Semiconductors conference will be held on the 12th and 13th July 2023 at Sheffield Hallam University.
- [National Epitaxy Facility article in CS magazine - "A National Treasure: The UK's central growth facility"](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/national-epitaxy-facility-article-in-cs-magazine-a-national-treasure-the-uks-central-growth-facility/) - We are delighted to see an article on the National Epitaxy Facility published this week in the Compound Semiconductor magazine: "A National Treasure. The UK's central growth facility".
- [PhD Studentships & Open Day](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/phd-studentships-open-day/) - We have 6 funded PhD studentships available for the Autumn 2023 intake. If you are interested, please attend our Open Day on Wednesday 29th March 2023 for prospective PhD students.
- [National Epitaxy Facility receives EPSRC Capital Award of almost £500,000 for Core Equipment](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/national-epitaxy-facility-receives-epsrc-capital-award-of-almost-500000-for-core-equipment/) - We are delighted to announce that the National Epitaxy Facility has been awarded almost £500,000 for core equipment by the EPSRC.
- [M4QN Launch Event](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/m4qn-launch-event/) - The Materials for Quantum Network (M4QN) launch event took place in Manchester on the 16th - 17th January and was a great success!
- [New MOVPE reactor commissioned within the National Epitaxy Facility](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/new-movpe-reactor-commissioned-within-the-national-epitaxy-facility/) - A new MOVPE (Metal Organic Vapour Phase Epitaxy) reactor has been commissioned at the National Epitaxy Facility’s headquarters at the University of Sheffield in August 2022.
- [Call announcement for National Epitaxy Facility Pump Priming applications](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/call-announcement-for-national-epitaxy-facility-pump-priming-applications/) - 30

## Pages

- [Homepage](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/) - Providing high-quality epitaxial wafers for over 45 years enabling world-class semiconductor research ABOUT US Access the Facility The National Epitaxy Facility plays a central role in enabling UK university research through provision of high-quality Semiconductor Epitaxy for custom designed structures and devices. We also play a significant role in enabling developments in UK industry with
- [Our Team](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/about-us/our-team/) - University of Sheffield Professor Jon Heffernan Director Professor Maurice Skolnick Research Director Dr Zofia Bishop Operations & Business Development Manager Dr Robert Airey Health & Safety Mr Stephen Dorward Senior Technician Mr Jon Wall Epitaxy Technician Miss Pippa Hopkins Facility Administrator MOVPE Dr Elisa M Sala Head of MOVPE Dr Nick Bailey MOVPE Research Associate
- [Access](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/facility/access/) - Access to the National Epitaxy Facility should be requested via our email address below. After an initial discussion, you will need to fill out our epitaxy spreadsheet providing details of the layer structure, substrate and other specifications. Please see the steps below showing the Facility access process. Facility access is requested by emailing epitaxyfacility@sheffield.ac.uk Download Epitaxy
- [Pump Priming Scheme](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/facility/pump-priming/pump-priming-scheme/) - 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
- [Steering Committee](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/about-us/management/steering-committee/) - The National Epitaxy Facility Steering Committee comprises leading semiconductor academics and industrialists from both the UK and Europe. It meets every 6 months with the Management of the National Epitaxy Facility to review the performance of the Facility, provide feedback and advise on improvement opportunities. The remit of the Steering Committee is: To provide independent input
- [Equality, Diversity and Inclusion](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/about-us/equality-diversity-and-inclusion/) - At the National Epitaxy Facility we are committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I). We have an active ED&I Committee with representation from all staff and student groups across all three of our sites, chaired by our ED&I lead, Prof Rachel Oliver. We hold quarterly meetings aimed at improving ED&I not only within our team and
- [Grants Supported](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/facility/grants-supported/) - The National Epitaxy Facility supports over £150m worth of UKRI grants at over 30 UK universities We predominantly work on research funded by EPSRC, but also other grants including non-UK and technology transfer to industry NEF Users Map Cardiff and Swansea University, IQE Plc, Compound Semiconductor Centre Ltd, CS Connected Ltd, Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/privacy-policy/) - This privacy notice tells you what to expect when National Epitaxy Facility collects personal information. It applies to information we collect about: visitors to our websites; people who use our services, eg who subscribe to our newsletter or fill out our contact form. This privacy policy explains the following: What personal data we collect How
- [Colour Centres in Gallium Nitride](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/facility/research/case-studies/colour-centres-in-gallium-nitride/) - January 2026 Gallium nitride is very widely used in blue light emitting diodes (LEDs) and laser diodes (LDs). The blue nitride LED, in particular, lies at the heart of energy efficient solid state lighting, a technology which is transforming the way we light up our world. Now, potential applications of this important optoelectronic material are
- [Quantum Cascade Lasers (QCLs) on the industrially compatible Close-Coupled Showerhead (CCS) ‘JR’ reactor](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/facility/research/case-studies/quantum-cascade-lasers-qcls-on-the-industrially-compatible-close-coupled-showerhead-ccs-jr-reactor/) - January 2026 Quantum Cascade Lasers (QCLs) are unipolar lasers based on intersubband transition in semiconductor superlattice structures. They are a highly effective means of achieving lasers with operation wavelengths in the mid-infrared spectrum (2-20 microns) and provide industry standards in these areas. Applications for lasers in this wavelength include gas sensing, healthcare monitoring, molecular spectroscopy,
- [Case Studies](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/facility/research/case-studies/) - Case Studies are summaries of their research, identifying the challenges, solutions and a conclusion of their growth.
- [Careers](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/about-us/careers/) - PhD Studentships Funded PhD studentship in AI-assisted materials discovery There is a position available for a funded PhD studentship for research and development in AI-assisted discovery and development of semiconductor materials and devices. This exciting new field will lead to new types of quantum computers, new lasers increasing the speed of the internet, electronics for
- [Publications](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/facility/research/publications/) - The majority of the Facility’s publications arise from the research undertaken on wafers by users. Publications on epitaxy developments itself often arise through our Pump Priming scheme. Publications are primarily in material science journals, and journals dedicated to device technologies. They are therefore widely read by the semiconductor community, and are also influential on industry
- [MOVPE](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/epitaxy-offer/movpe/) - Metal-Organic Vapour Phase Epitaxy (MOVPE) University of Sheffield The EPSRC National Epitaxy Facility can offer the full range of phosphide and arsenide based semiconductor materials by MOVPE to support a wide range of device structures for world leading semiconductor physics and engineering research in the UK, including both lattice matched and strained combinations of III-V
- [Quality Assurance](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/about-us/management/quality-assurance/) - Quality Assurance and its Management are key in the Facility’s drive to improve customer service. We measure performance against Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) agreed with EPSRC. The National Epitaxy Facility is dedicated to providing the UK compound semiconductor research community with high quality, innovative semiconductor products and services on behalf of the UK Engineering and
- [Structural](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/characterisation/structural/) - Sheffield 3 microscopes with up to 100x magnification Including Olympus Nomarski Optical Microscope for determining surface morphology and defect density 2 AFMs with batch scanning Capability for up to 6” / multiple wafers for precise nanoscale imaging for sample surface morphology Bruker Dimension ICON AFM Veeco Dimension V AFM Carl Zeiss FEG SEM with
- [Epitaxy Offer](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/epitaxy-offer/) - Growth at the National Epitaxy Facility is either by Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) or Metal-Organic Vapour Phase Epitaxy (MOVPE). MBE MBE is grown at the University of Sheffield and University College London. The University of Sheffield covers the full spectrum of III-V materials to enable the production of a wide variety of epitaxy structures and
- [Outreach](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/about-us/outreach/) - Outreach Videos Outreach Activities Past Outreach Events We had an exhibition stand at the Faculty of Engineering Project weeks at the University of Sheffield: Global Engineering Challenge on Wednesday 29th January 2025 for 1st year undergraduate students from the Faculty of Engineering Engineering You're Hired on Wednesday 5th February 2025 for 2nd year undergraduate students
- [Partners](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/about-us/partners/) - Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council The National Epitaxy Facility is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) as part of a network of National Research Centres. The Cambridge Centre for Gallium Nitride at The University of Cambridge is a partner institution which offers specialist world-class capabilities in wide band gap nitrides.
- [About Semiconductors](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/about-us/about-semiconductors/) - What are semiconductors? A semiconductor is a material that has electrical conductivity between a conductor and an insulator. Their conductivity can be controlled by adding impurities in a process called doping or by applying electrical fields, light, or heat. It allows electricity to flow through more easily when the temperature increases, and is used for
- [MBE](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/epitaxy-offer/mbe/) - Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) University of Sheffield There are three MBE growth systems each of which is operated in a state-of-the-art cleanroom facility based in the Nanosciences & Technology complex at the University of Sheffield - two VG V90 machines and a new dual chamber MBE cluster tool reactor complete with comprehensive in-situ atomic hydrogen cleaning
- [Pump Priming Projects](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/facility/pump-priming/pump-priming-projects/) - Some of our Pump Priming projects include: InGaAs Quantum Dot/Quantum Well based waveguide structures for photonic integration Selective growth of GaN on Si on sapphire for CMOS integration Near surface InAs Quantum Dots for plasmonic coupling Ultrafast multi-active region Quantum Dot lasers Semiconductor-Superconductor hybrid 2DEG devices Green emitters for surface enhanced Raman sensors Droplet epitaxy
- [Pump Priming](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/facility/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.
- [Gallery](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/about-us/gallery/) - UK Semiconductors Conference 2025 Characterisation MBE Reactors MOVPE Reactors NEF Staff & Events
- [Management](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/about-us/management/) - We are committed to our Management processes to ensure we deliver, and continue to improve, a high level of customer service. Our performance is measured against Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) agreed with EPSRC, which are monitored by EPSRC and our independent Steering Committee We employ a Quality Measurement System to meet our strategic and operational
- [Optical](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/characterisation/optical/) - Sheffield Micro-PL Setup for measuring single Quantum Dots (500-1650nm) Nano-positioning stage XYZ: 300um range,
- [Electrical](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/characterisation/electrical/) - Sheffield WEP ECV System: Doping profiles possible through several epitaxial layers with etch rates typically ~0.5um/hr ECV (Electrochemical Capacitance-Voltage) profiling of up to 6 inch wafers for a wide variety of III-V materials. Hall Effect Measurement Systems: Nanomagnetic Instruments HEMS System Fully equipped Hall system for basic characterization and in-depth scientific measurements Van der Pauw
- [Facility](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/facility/) - We support researchers with current UKRI grants, as well as those applying for funding. We offer advice in wafer structure design based on final device specifications, and undertake the growth development required. NEF supplies epitaxy to both long-term projects requiring hundreds of wafers over several years, and one-off requests. We also support researchers with non-UKRI grants and
- [Our Mission](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/about-us/our-mission/) - The mission for the EPSRC National Epitaxy Facility is to provide an outstanding service for the provision of III-V and Group IV semiconductor epitaxial materials, structures and devices to enable the UK’s research community to compete at the highest levels on the world-stage in this highly active field. The National Epitaxy Facility will provide a
- [About Us](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/about-us/) - The National Epitaxy Facility has been providing UK researchers with custom-designed epitaxial wafers for over 45 years, enabling them to conduct world-class research in semiconductor science, engineering and technology. The Facility is a consortium between the Universities of Sheffield, Cambridge and University College London and is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
- [Contact](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/contact/) - We'd love to hear from you Please get in touch for facility access or for further information. Sign up to the National Epitaxy Facility newsletter to be the first to hear about our news and updates. Administrative Pippa HopkinsFacility Administrator+44 (0)114 222 5212epitaxyfacility@sheffield.ac.uk Technical Dr Zofia BishopOperations and Business Development Manager+44 (0)114 222 5905epitaxyfacility@sheffield.ac.uk Facility
- [Research](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/facility/research/) - Case Studies and Publications produced at the National Epitaxy Facility highlights our world-class research and range of epitaxial capabilities. Follow the links below to view a selection of our publications and case studies.
- [Timeline](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/about-us/timeline/) - 1978 Founded by SERC as the Sheffield III-V Facility, founded by Prof Peter Neville Robson 1979 First MOVPE reactor Cambridge Instruments MR100 installed 1983 First MBE VG Semicon V80-1 reactor installed 1985 MBE VG Semicon V80-2 reactor installed 1989 MOVPE reactor Cambridge Instruments Quantax 235 installed 1990 MOVPE reactor Metal Research MR350 installed 1993 MOVPE
- [Site-controlled quantum dot arrays in waveguides for quantum technology applications](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/facility/research/case-studies/site-controlled-quantum-dot-arrays-in-waveguides-for-quantum-technology-applications/) - InAs/GaAs quantum dots (QDs) have optical properties that make them excellent quantum emitters, including bright emission with narrow linewidths. Research from the NEF, together with colleagues from the Low Dimensional Structures and Devices group in the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences at the University of Sheffield (https://ldsd.sites.sheffield.ac.uk/), has demonstrated their incorporation into waveguides, with
- [Silicon-based III-V quantum dot laser](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/facility/research/case-studies/silicon-based-iii-v-quantum-dot-laser/) - August 2023 Silicon is the most widely used material for the fabrication of active devices in electronics. However, its indirect band gap structure makes it extremely hard to realise an efficient silicon-based light source. As the speed and complexity of silicon electronics increases, it is becoming harder to interconnect large information processing systems using conventional
- [Antimony based III-V Semiconductors](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/facility/research/case-studies/antimony-based-iii-v-semiconductors/) - May 2024 Antimony (Sb) containing III-V semiconductors have bandgaps ranging from 1.6 eV (AlSb) down to 0.17 eV (InSb). Therefore, III-Sb alloys can cover a broad range of energies in the near and mid infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum and are of interest for infrared detectors [1,2] and gas sensing emitters [3]. In particular this material
- [Semiconductor Quantum Dots](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/facility/research/case-studies/semiconductor-quantum-dots/) - August 2017 Quantum Dots (QDs) are zero-dimensional structures which exhibit unique physical properties due to quantum mechanical effects. They have found applications across a huge range of semiconductor devices including lasers, LEDs, detectors, electronics, and fundamental quantum physics. Semiconductor quantum dots are typically fabricated by epitaxial methods or colloidal chemical synthesis methods. ChallengeThe epitaxial growth
- [Quantum Cascade Lasers](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/facility/research/case-studies/quantum-cascade-lasers/) - August 2017 Quantum Cascade Lasers (QCLs) are unipolar lasers based on intersubband transition in semiconductor superlattice structures. They are a highly effective means of achieving lasers with operation wavelengths in the mid-infrared spectrum (2-20 µm), and provide industry standards in these areas. Applications for lasers in this wavelength include gas sensing, healthcare monitoring, molecular spectroscopy,
- [Droplet Epitaxy](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/facility/research/case-studies/droplet-epitaxy/) - January 2023 Droplet Epitaxy (DE) is an epitaxial technique, mostly used for III-V semiconductors, for the fabrication of a variety of nanostructures, such as Quantum Dots (QDs), Quantum Rings (QRs), and nanoholes. It relies on the spontaneous formation of group III metallic droplets, which are subsequently crystallized into QDs by the supply of a group
- [Porous Gallium Nitride](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/facility/research/case-studies/porous-gallium-nitride/) - July 2023 Nitride LEDs are a technology with particularly significant societal impact. Approximately 20% of electricity generated globally is used for lighting, so even small increases in LED efficiency can have a major impact on greenhouse gas emissions, as the use of LED bulbs in domestic and workplace lighting increases. By positioning optical mirrors such
- [Characterization](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/characterisation/) - The National Epitaxy Facility has an extensive range of semiconductor characterization tools across all the three sites. Once epitaxial wafers are grown, they need to be tested using various microscopy (scanning-electron, atomic-force, Nomarski), diffraction, and photo-luminescence methods to check they meet the required specifications in accordance with our ISO9001 Quality Management System. Please see the
- [FAQs](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/faqs/) - What does the National Epitaxy Facility do? We grow high-quality bespoke epitaxial wafers for UK academics and industry, enabling world-class semiconductor research. We provide a full range of group III-V semiconductors and Si/Ge-based group IV materials by both the Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) and Metal Organic Vapour Phase Epitaxy (MOVPE) techniques. Based on these materials,
- [Cookies](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/cookies/) - Cookies are small files that are stored on a user’s computer. They are designed to hold a small amount of information specific to how you browse the internet. This information is then used by the website’s server to carry information from one visit to the next. Cookies on this site are used to: measure how

## Categories

- [News](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/category/news/)
- [Events](https://www.nationalepitaxyfacility.co.uk/category/events/)