National High Magnetic Field Laboratory

Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL QUESTIONS

1. What should be done BEFORE your visit to the Magnet Lab?

  • Apply for funding to cover travel or dependent care costs here. (Select users only)
  • Book your travel.
  • Make housing accommodations. Click here for additional information.
  • Complete safety training. Click here.
  • Order supplies if necessary.
  • Contact your user support scientist with any questions.
  • Review your experiment participants and update if needed.
  • DC Field Users only: Review the email sent by the DC Field Coordinator, sent approximately one week prior to your magnet time, for resistive schedule information and User badge/key pick up instructions.
  • Contact the Facility Coordinator if you are having shipments sent to the Magnet Lab, or arriving early for your scheduled magnet time.

2. What should be done AFTER your visit to the Magnet Lab.
  • Make sure you return all User badges and keys that were issued to you/your group.
  • Provide feedback. All users will receive an email after their visit requesting feedback on their experience at the lab.
  • Report results of your research at the end of the calendar year. Click here.

3. Can we use a proposal approved by DC Field and add an EMR experiment in order to use EMR’s magnet systems?

Yes.


4. How much does it cost to use the magnet lab?

The cost of using the magnets in the NHMFL is paid by the National Science Foundation for all qualified users who agree and follow our terms and conditions, which include writing an annual report that is disseminated publicly. Independently funded users will have to pay for using magnets. For more details about the process and fees, please contact the individual facility directors.


5. Is everyone required to submit a proposal?

Independently-funded users DO NOT have to submit a proposal. Every other user must to go through the proposal submission process and will find his/her new, submitted, reviewed and/or inactive proposals under the Proposal tab.


6. Does being a Submitter on a proposal or experiment automatically make me a Collaborator on the proposal or experiment?

No, each collaborator must be explicitly added to the proposal or experiment even if they are also the submitter.


7. Is there an expiration date on a proposal?

Yes, each proposal expires automatically three years after it is approved. After the expiration date, a new proposal will need to be submitted to the NHMFL to continue the work.


8.How much detail should be included in the proposal?

It should have enough detail to describe the research, but broad enough to cover experiments for 3 years.


9.What else do I need to include other than my proposal?

The proposal should include a title, PI name, and a CV.


10. What is the proper format for the CV?

It should be in NSF format, which can be found here in column 2-f.


11. Is there a requirement for a Bio-Sketch for each collaborator?

A Bio-Sketch is only required for the Principal Investigator (PI).


12. Where should the Bio-Sketch be added?

The Bio-Sketch of the PI should be included in the PDF that will be uploaded under ‘Attach Proposal’.


13. What procedures have to be followed for experiments involving animals?

The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory abides by all rules, regulations and reviews of by the Florida State University Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC). The rules, regulations and reviews can be found here.


14. Is the login to the User & Faculty Reporting system connected with the User online system?

No. Everyone must register to establish a login for the User & Faculty Reporting system separately from the User online system.


15. What are examples for Broader Impact?

The NSF outlines broader impacts here.


16. What is the statement I as a user have to include in publications, presentations, or other activities or products resulting from use of Magnet Lab facilities?

It should read: “A portion of this work was performed at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, which is supported by National Science Foundation Cooperative Agreement No. DMR-1157490 and the State of Florida.”


17. What are the steps to update user contact information?

1. Log in to the User's System.
2. On your user profile, click “Edit” and revise the information accordingly.
3. To save this information, click “Update”.


AMRIS FACILITY

1. How do I reserve time on the AMRIS systems?

After approval of your NHMFL proposal, you will receive notice from the AMRIS Director. Our Administrative office is copied to coordinate the generation of an AMRIS Billing Code which you may then select in the Reservation Request form.


2. How do I transfer my data from the AMRIS facility after collection?

Please see specific directions for the individual instruments at our website, http://amris.mbi.ufl.edu/.


3. What AMRIS systems are good for different types of studies?

  • Solution NMR – 500, 600s, 750
  • Solid state NMR – 500, 600 and 750
  • MR microscopy –600 and 750
  • Animal imaging – 4.7T, 11.1T, 750, and 3T (large animals)
  • Human imaging – Philips 3T

4. Is it possible for external users to do In vivo imaging at AMRIS?

Yes it is possible. Please contact Huadong Zeng for specific requirements. The University of Florida Animal Care Services coordinates all imports/exports of animals.


5. What should I bring for In vivo imaging studies?

Please bring your own anesthetics and analgesics as specified in your IACUC protocol. Our users use isoflurane regularly as an anesthetic so AMRIS provides air/oxygen gas and an isoflurane evaporator..


6. Where can I find documentation for my facility?

You can find a Users Guide here: AMRIS Users System Guide


DC FIELDS FACILITY

1. How often does DC Field schedule magnet times?

The DC Field User Facility schedules magnet time 3 times per year; please click here to find out when the next applications for magnet time are due.


2. Where can I find documentation for my facility?

You can find a Users Guide here: Users System Guide

EMR FACILITY

1. Which instrument should I choose for my EMR experiment?

Contact us and we’ll help you choose the right instrument for your experiment/proposal.
  • 12.5 T – Hans Van Tol (vantol@magnet.fsu.edu)
  • 17 T – Andrew Ozarowski (ozarowsk@magnet.fsu.edu)
  • Mossbauer – Andrew Ozarowski (ozarowsk@magnet.fsu.edu)
  • Bruker – Likai Song (song@magnet.fsu.edu)
  • Hill Lab – Steve Hill (shill@magnet.fsu.edu)
  • Keck 25 T (resistive magnet) - Jurek Krzystek (krzystek@magnet.fsu.edu)

2. Are there any deadlines for the EMR proposal submission process?

There are no deadlines or time windows for EMR proposals.


3. Where can I find documentation for my facility?

You can find a Users Guide here: Users System Guide

HIGH B/T FACILITY

1.How do I set up an experiment at the High B/T facility?

The design of the experimental cell is crucial in order to be certain the sample can be cooled to ultra-low temperatures. As soon as a proposal is approved the principal investigator should contact High B/T staff and work on the design of the experimental cell. Only in rare occasions will an existing cell be usable.


2. When can I submit a proposal?

At any time.


3. Do I have to pay for liquid helium use?

No. The cost of helium use is supported by core NHMFL grant.


4. How long will an approved proposal be good for requesting magnet time for new experiments on the same topic?

Each proposal expires automatically three years after it is approved. A new proposal needs to be filed with the NHMFL after the expiration date.


5. Is accommodation available for users of the High B/T facility?

Users are recommended to use the Reitz Union Hotel in thecenter of campus which also provides parking. There are amenities including a food court in the same building.

6. Where can I find documentation for my facility?

You can find a Users Guide here: Users System Guide

ICR FACILITY

1. Who should I contact for questions related to ICR?

For assistance, please contact Amy McKenna via email at mckenna@magnet.fsu.edu.


2. Are there User Proposal Template and Broader Impacts Statement available?

A User Proposal Template can be found here and a Broader Impacts Statement here.


3. How do I report prior results?

A Prior Results Template can be found here.


4. What procedures must be followed for experiments involving lasers?

The ICR Laser Policy begins with the initial assignment of online safety training that allows access to the ICR labspace.
Anyone working in the ICR high bay must first answer the following question in the Safety Training Portal:
“Are you working or will work in the ICR High bay?”

ALL ICR Staff, graduate students, postdocs and ICR facility users/visitors (including REUs) are then automatically assigned the following online training courses:
1. General Safety Training
2. High Magnetic Field Training
3. Laser Safety Training 4. Cryogens
5. Compressed Gas

A Laser Binder has been created and stored in the ICR High Bay that includes:

Laser Standard Operating Procedures
Laser OJT Training Forms
Laser Specifications
Online Safety training certificates for all Laser users.


5. What is the ICR Lab Space Policy?

  • All ICR Lab Spaces (NM 117, NM 137, NM 113, B239, B240, C 330) require Safety Glasses AT ALL TIMES. Signage was purchased and posted.
  • No Food or Drink is permitted inside any ICR lab space. Designated drinking area was approved by NHMFL Safety for NM 113 (ICR High Bay).
  • Card Reader access only to ICR personnel to ICR High Bay.
  • Restricted Card Reader access to 21 T High Bay
  • Occupied Labs : Doors Unlocked
  • Unoccupied Labs: Doors Locked


6. Where can I find documentation for my facility?

You can find a Users Guide here: Users System Guide

NMR FACILITY

1. What is NMR?

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance.


2. Who should I contact for questions related to NMR?

We recommend that you first discuss your project with the appropriate NMR faculty or staff member:

If you are not sure where to start, please contact Timothy Cross or William Brey.

3. Where can I find documentation for my facility?

You can find a Users Guide here: Users System Guide

PULSED FIELD FACILITY

1. How often does the Pulsed Field Facility (PFF) in Los Alamos National Lab (LANL) schedule experiments?

The PFF User Facility schedules magnet time 3 times per year; please click here to find out when the next applications for magnet time are due.


2. How do I get time on the 100 T magnet at LANL?

Through the user portal like any other magnet request. 100 T magnet time is in high demand and the expectation is that sample screening and verification is done earlier on 65T pulsed magnets.


3. Can I pulse the magnets myself at the PFF at LANL?

Yes, so long as you complete all of the required training and are authorized by the Safety Responsible Line Manager (Chuck Mielke).


4. Does LANL accept my Florida State University (FSU) or home institution training?

No. Users and staff must complete the LANL training programs.


5. Can I bring my own laptop to the PFF at LANL?

Yes, when you arrive we will give you access credentials to access the LANL visitor network.


6. Can I bring my own camera and use it at the PFF at LANL (for taking pictures of samples and probes)?

No, only LANL approved cameras and authorized individuals may take photographs at LANL and the LANL Security Responsible Line Manager (Chuck Mielke) must review and release the images to you.


7. What about my cell phone, which has a camera, can I take that onsite at LANL?

Yes, you may take your cell phone into the NHMFL-PFF spaces at LANL, however, the camera may not be used at any LANL site (including the NHMFL-PFF).


8. What is the best place for green chile breakfast burritos in Los Alamos?

Most people suggest the "Chile Works" on Trinity Drive, however the "Sunrise Bakery" on Diamond make several great BBs. For a sit down BB you should try "Viola's" on Trinity. The Huevos Rancheros are also a must while you visit the other LA.


9. Where can I find documentation for my facility?

You can find a Users Guide here: Users System Guide

SUBMITTER

1. How does a submitter know an experiment has successfully been submitted?

The status of the NEW experiment changes to ‘SUBMITTED’ and an automated email with the confirmation has been sent to the principal investigator and submitter.


2. How can a submitter delete an experiment?

If the experiment is still in the NEW status, the submitter can delete the experiment himself/herself by clicking on ‘DELETE’ under ‘EXPERIMENT ACTIONS’. If the experiment is already in ‘SUBMITTED’ status, the submitter will need to provide the consent of the principal investigator (PI) and need to contact the facility director and request the deletion.


3. How can a submitter delete a proposal?

If the proposal is still in the NEW status, the submitter can delete the proposal himself/herself by clicking on ‘DELETE’ under ‘ACTIONS’. If the proposal is already in ‘SUBMITTED’ status, the submitter will need to provide the consent of the PI and need to contact the facility director and request the deletion.

4. How can I submit experiments at different facilities under one proposal?

The system allows to submit a second experiment at a different facility ONLY when the proposal is at least in 'Submitted' status. To add an experiment to a different facility, the submitter will have to duplicate a previously submitted experiment and change the facility under ‘Edit’ of that newly duplicated experiment.