Yale Physics announces a new graduate-level course called “PHYS 765: Advanced Scientific Instrumentation Development, Prototyping, and Fabrication. The course focuses on research instrumentation design and development using the Advanced Prototyping Center (APC), housed in Yale Wright Laboratory. The course is taught by James Nikkel, research scientist and supervisor of the APC.
Techniques covered in the course include water-jet cutting, laser cutting, 3D printing, and CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining. Training with Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) programs necessary for design and preparation of parts is provided depending on the project. Introductory workshops and one-on-one orientations are conducted throughout the semester.
Karsten Heeger, Eugene Higgins Professor and Chair of Physics and director of Wright Lab said, “James Nikkel has worked for several years with students in the APC on their projects and has taught them principles of advanced prototyping through hands-on training and workshops. This new APC course formalizes this arrangement and complements the existing traditional machine shop class we have at Wright Lab.”