Neurotechnology & Fabrication Core

Neurotechnology & Fabrication Core Project Summary The Neurotechnology & Fabrication Core will support the successful design and generation of custom-built products and devices for data collection in vision research laboratories at Yale. The Core combines two services. A Neurotechnology service will provide consultation on experimental apparatus requirements followed by assistance with either purchasing decisions or custom devise design and implementation as warranted. The Support Scientist, a Neurotechnology Engineer, would also provide users with training within a state-of-the-art design and fabrication facility that includes machining, electronic and prototyping tools; design and fabrication of scientific instrumentation that allows interfacing with microscopes, lasers and computers; and would create a nexus for technology transfer between vision research laboratories. The second service would be a conventional Machine Shop, where a machinist would offer complementary services for standard machining solutions for the design, production and repair of scientific equipment for vision research. The combined services in this Core module would provide Vision Core investigators with important resources that are difficult or impossible to obtain elsewhere. First, the module provides speedy, priority services (including emergency repairs) in support of specialized vision research experimental apparatus in a range of different materials. Second, it provides professional advice and assistance (including in-lab consultation) of experienced staff who have extensive knowledge of the design and fabrication of specialized equipment for vision research. The close physical proximity of the Neurotechnology facility and Machine Shop to Vision Core investigator laboratories, as well as the familiarity of the staff with the equipment in these laboratories, makes this module a critical component of the Vision Core Program at Yale.