Dear PARADIMers,
On March 1, 2016, PARADIM opened its doors as a national user facility to democratize materials discovery in the U.S.A. by enabling a more effective way of pursuing materials research. PARADIM’s mission had two components—one scientific and one social. On the science side it invoked the MGI approach. On the social side it made that bold step out of the days of individual research → went beyond group research → into the realm of a national community of practitioners who help each other. 9 ¾ years ago this started as an NSF-DMR experiment for Materials Innovations Platforms with a maximum funding duration of 10 years. Today we have lots of evidence that it works as an effective way to accelerate the discovery of exciting electronic materials.
As we approach the twilight of our 10 years of funding from the NSF, we want to thank you all for joining together to make this dream a reality. We celebrate your many materials discoveries. We also celebrate the many terabytes of data on successes as well as failures that have become available to the world due to your work.
You are probably curious about the future of PARADIM. All that we currently know is that it is uncertain. Our funds are sufficient to accommodate all users scheduled to make use of PARADIM facilities through Feb. 28, 2026. Without additional funding, we will no longer be able to offer free use of PARADIM facilities to the most highly ranked 2-page PARADIM project proposals. Instead, come March 1, 2026 use of all PARADIM facilities will cost the amount shown in the tables below and on the PARADIM website.1 This full cost recovery for use model will exist through June of 2026, at which time we anticipate having greater clarity on the future. Electron microscopy will be available through CCMR with fees.2
Bulk Crystal FY26-27 Rates
(d = day, hd = half-day, hr = hour).
| Service | Internal | External (Academic) |
External (Commercial) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Whole Facility |
$3,069/d | $ 3,974/d | $5,279/d |
| LDFZ | $256/hd | $332/hd | $440/hd |
| HPFZ | $224/hd | $290/hd | $385/hd |
| Induction | $111/hd | $144/hd | $191/hd |
| SPS | $105/hd | $136/hd | $181/hd |
| ISObs | $102/hd | $132/hd | $175/hd |
| SACF | $95/hd | $123/hd | $163/hd |
| SAS | $107/hd | $139/hd | $184/hd |
| HPLDFZ | $195/hd | $253/hd | $335/hd |
| Xenon FZ | $224/hd | $290/hd | $385/hd |
| Halogen FZ | $189/hd | $245/hd | $325/hd |
| Consult | $170/hr | $220/hr | $292/hr |
| Consumables | Actual Cost + Any F&A Recovery | ||
Thin Film Preliminary FY26-27 Rates
(d=day, hr = hour)
| Service | Internal | External Academic |
External Commercial |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Whole Facility |
$2,890/d | $3,988/d | $5,260/d |
| MBE Consult | $82.50/hr | $114/hr | $150/hr |
| ARPES Consult | $110/hr | $152/hr | $200/hr |
PARADIM has been investigating avenues to continue to make available the equipment and capabilities that we—together with your help over the years—have perfected. Due to financial constraints, it is likely that these options will include user fees and significant capacity reductions to external users. We are looking for ways to offset a portion of the fees for user proposals.
We will update you via the PARADIM website should we have more news, but want to be transparent about the uncertain situation.
Darrell, Tyrel and the PARADIM team
