The nanoFAB operates a Heidelberg DWL-200 to fabricate 5" × 5" and 7" × 7" photomasks suitable for pattern transfer using contact photolithography techniques. We offer photomask fabrication as a service only, users cannot be trained to operate the pattern generator. Photomasks will be fabricated and shipped according to the policies below.


Fabrication Policy

Photomasks are available in two sizes, each coated with approximately 100 nm thick chrome:

  • 5” × 5” × 0.090” soda-lime glass 
  • 7” × 7” × 0.090” soda-lime glass
  1. All photomask fabrication requests must be submitted via LMACS.
  2. Multi-layer submissions must use the same GDSII file.
    • Each layer represents one physical mask.
  3. Due to inherent differences in various CAD program outputs, mask results may vary.
  4. The minimum feature size is 2 µm (exposed with the 10 mm lens) or 1 µm (exposed with the 4 mm lens).
    • 10 mm lens:  This is the standard lens and is suitable for all masks with a CD of 2 µm or greater.
    • 4 mm lens:  This lens should only be used for masks with a CD less than 2 µm; however, features below 2 µm may show distortions or fail to render.
  5. Turnaround times may vary due to staff resources and equipment availability; however, the turnaround time under normal circumstances is approximately 10 business days.
  6. Software support is provided on-site using the current version of KLayout available in the nanoFAB design environment.
    • The nanoFAB is not responsible for the integrity or compatibility of designs produced off-site, or with other GDSII editors.
  7. Only the GDSII file format is accepted.
  8. Submitted GDSII files will be stored for 1 year from the date of submission. After this period design files will be discarded
  9. Masks with Problem status will be held in the queue for a maximum of 5 days, after which they will be deleted.
    • Any warnings generated will be treated as a problem.
  10. If there is a problem with one layer of a multi-layer mask set, all layers must be resubmitted.
  11. All status updates are sent automatically via email. It is the user’s responsibility to ensure that the nanoFAB has the correct email address on file.
    • Users can manage their contact info via their LMACS profile page.

Pricing & Shipping Policy


The following terms and conditions are enacted as the nanoFAB optical mask pricing and international shipping policy. This policy covers administration and pricing of optical masks to ensure consistent mask production to users and simplified administrative overhead; all prices listed below are in CAD.  Pricing effective .
  1. The pricing for photomask fabrication depends on the mask size, the lens used for exposure, and whether the customer is academic (affiliated with a Canadian educational institution), or external (not affiliated with a Canadian educational institution, such as industrial users or international academic users), as given by the project type for billing. The pricing does not depend on the device density or overall exposed area on the photomask.
  2. Shipping charges are applied directly to users with Freight on Board to the University of Alberta shipping dock. Users requiring shipping must submit a Courier Account Number during the online submission process. Masks requiring shipment without a Courier Account Number will be invoiced $150 for shipping (within Canada).
  3. A $25 handling surcharge will be applied to masks requiring shipping. This fee covers the cost of packaging and administrative overhead.


Mask sizeLensAcademicExternal
5″ × 5″10 mm$195$447
7″ × 7″10 mm$381$874
5″ × 5″4 mm$442$1013
7″ × 7″4 mm$863$1979


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