For internal users
- How to get the access reactivated?
Please email the signed User Agreement to mncf.cense@iisc.ac.in, with a copy to your supervisor. The User Agreement must include your supervisor’s signature and valid debit code details. - How to get access to the characterization facility?
Register to get biometric access http://www.bio.cense.iisc.ac.in. Biometric access is required to enter the facility for which the student needs to fill a form. This automatically sends a mail to his supervisor with two links- approval or disapproval. (Email sent to the supervisor is from his student’s institute email id and not from cense id) - Why has my user access been suspended?
User access is suspended if the User Agreement Form is not renewed annually. Please resubmit the User Agreement Form to reactivate your access. - My FOM needs reconfirmation. What is the procedure?
If your FOM requires reconfirmation, please contact MNCF Office - I have created my FOM account but am unable to book a slot. Why?
Please ensure that all required approvals have been completed and your account has been activated. If the issue persists, contact the MNCF office - How to know whether biometric access is approved?
The student needs to check the status in the biometric link. Select the option ‘Already have biometric number’ and give department email id. At the end of the application form, check the approval status of the faculty and Incharge. If both are approved, get the process done at cense office. Register through FOM https://facilitybooking.cense.iisc.ac.in/fom/welcome as a new user with department email id and valid debit head. - How to book a slot for the equipment to be used?
a) Once registration is complete, choose instruments under MNCF. Read the policies and agree with its content. b) The student will receive an acknowledgment and approval notification from FOM, after which he can book the slots. c) All dependent users must select “Manager Assistant Required” while booking the slots d) Independent users who need FT help, please select this “Manager Assistant Required” option, while booking the slots. e) Independent users should not submit the samples to FT for analysis. Doing so, will avail penalty points - Is there a user manual for FOM available?
User manual is available https://facilitybooking.cense.iisc.ac.in/fom/pdfs/FOM_User_Manual.pdf - How do I know what equipments are available?
“Log onto FOM account using your user name and password to be informed of the current tool status”. - Where can I find the specifications of the equipment?
Tool specifications can be found here: Facilities- Micro Nano Characterization Facility Users can also contact respective tool owners for more details. - Should I remove my shoes?
No, you need not remove your shoes. Fresh shoe covers are available in the green bin, which must be worn over your shoes. Please wear closed-toe shoes to the MNCF facility. Kindly avoid wearing open-toe footwear/slippers/sandals/crocs. Before leaving the facility, remove shoe covers and discard in the grey bin labelled “Used shoe covers”. - How do you know whether a user who has booked the slot is using the equipment?
Before using the equipment, it is MANDATORY to log ON through FOM. A computer is available in the lobby of the facility. It is MANDATORY to log OFF once you finish your analysis. - Can I cancel the slot anytime?
a) Cancellation can be done eight hour before the reserved time. However, no cancellation is allowed within eight hour before reserved start time. Valid reasons should be provided while requesting for cancellation. Helps us to decide whether to charge or not b) Slot booking and cancelling is not staff’s responsibility. You need to do it yourself. Please inform the respective tool owners regarding cancellation of slot with valid justification via email. - Will I be charged if I cancel the slots?
No fee applied when you cancel before eight hours from reserved start time. - What happens if I cannot use the reserved slot time?
The slot gets automatically cancelled after 15 min of reserved start time and the slot is open for others to use. However, you will be charged for no show. - What is express logon?
Reservations are open on an hour-by-hour basis. If the equipment is free within the hour, one can use express logon to book the slot and use the equipment. - Is approval required to use the slot?
Approval is not required (Except TEM) but the facility technologist has the right to cancel slots, if details about the sample are not provided in the comment section while booking the slot. - How can I become an independent user?
Trainings are conducted by the facility technologist on a weekly to monthly basis based on the various equipments. Please fill the respective Training forms available under Get Access – Current Users – Training. Visit the link here: MNCF Trainings - What is the duration of training period?
Training period varies according to the equipment and user capabilities. Contact respective facility technologist. - How to improve the facility?
Please provide your feedback, concerns or queries about the MNCF facility using the Feedback form. - How to process the invoice?
a. Every month (mostly first week), you will receive the invoice for the previous month usage. Users need to get a signature and seal from the corresponding professor with date and submit it to MNCF office within a week. - Whom should I contact, if there are any billing issues?
Contact MNCF office (GF-12) by Phone: +91 80 22933253 ,+91 80 22933181 or Email: mncf.cense@iisc.ac.in - How do I access FOM?
FOM should be accessed in the login PC available in the respective bay of MNCF for LogON/LogOFF of reserved slots.
Other FAQ’s
- Is MNCF ISO Certified facility?
Yes, Micro Nano Characterization facility is certified with ISO 9001:2015 (Quality management system), ISO 45001:2018 (Occupational health and safety management system), and ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental management system) certifications. - What safety precautions to follow during your visit to MNCF?
“Please wear closed-toe shoes and avoid leaving hair open or wearing dangling jewellery. Since MNCF operates at a temperature lower than typical room conditions, it is advisable to keep a sweater or jacket handy. For more details, refer MNCF Orientation PPT - Can I use another person’s account to book slots?
No. Users must use only their own registered account for slot booking and facility to use the characterization facility. - What should I do if equipment is not working?
Please report any issues in the equipment under Something wrong with details in comments in the FOM log box while logging off the slot (Image given below). Alternatively, contact the respective tool owner to inform any issues observed before, during or after the slot. - Can I extend my slot during usage?
If no subsequent booking exists, users may book an additional slot through FOM. - How will I know whether my FOM registration is approved?
Users will receive an acknowledgment and approval notification from FOM through email. - What should I do if my biometric access is not approved?
Check the approval status in the biometric portal. If approval is pending for a long time, contact your supervisor or the MNCF office. - What should I do after completing equipment usage?
Users must: a) LOG OFF from FOM. b) Clean the workspace. c) Follow equipment-specific instructions provided in the Entry and Exit criteria in the respective User documents. - How will I receive notifications regarding bookings and invoices?
Notifications related to slot booking, approvals, invoices, and updates are sent to the registered email ID.
For External Users:
- Can external users access MNCF facilities?
Yes, external users can access the facility by following the procedure provided below.
- Kindly register your details on CeNSE National Facility User’s Portal ☚.
- After the registration, please follow the below steps:
- Log in as a user (User ID and Password will be sent to your Email ID [Kindly check Inbox/ Spam folder]).
- Propose a research project by clicking on “Submit Project” (left side menu) and click on “Academic/ Startup Industry/ Industry/ National Lab/ CeNSE Industry Affiliate Programme” in ‘Source of Funding’. Fill in necessary details and ‘Submit’ the project request.
- After submitting the project request, Download the MNCF Service Request Form (for Characterization) from the ‘Recommended Forms to fill’ section and fill it.
- Use the message section. Compose the Message, upload the MNCF form and submit.
Our Technical members will review your proposal and form and get back to you with the feasibility and an estimate.
