![The cleanroom in the Center for Nanoscale Materials and Biointegration.](/cas/news/images/images/Class-7000-Cleanroom.png)
While they vary in size and complexity, all cleanrooms use a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter to trap particles that are 0.3 micron and larger in size. In addition, those working in cleanrooms, including the new one in Physics, must be thoroughly trained to ensure the environment remains free of contaminants. The scientists will enter and exit the cleanroom through a special prep room and will wear special clothing designed to trap contaminants that are naturally generated by skin and the body.
![The 3D micro-fabrication of electrical circuits on diamonds.](/cas/news/images/images/Diamond-MicroFab.png)
"Our new technology is 3D micro-fabrication of electrical circuits on diamonds, without using any prefabricated masks," Vohra explains. "This is referred to as 'mask-less lithography,' and uses micro-mirrors to direct light to expose the photoresist to draw circuits on top of diamonds. We also encapsulate the micro-circuit in chemical vapor deposited in a single crystal diamond layer to protect the circuit from any environmental degradation and exposure."
Vohra adds that immediate application for the sensors is in high-pressure "diamond anvil cell devices," although he notes that "we are also exploring applications in other extreme environments, like deep well drilling and monitoring in extreme high temperatures."