CENTER FOR NANOSCALE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

Standard Operating Procedures

Guidelines for SOP

Ross Levine and Brian Wajdyk

Page 1 of 6
Version 1.1
 Format
There is a template for the SOPs. Please follow it. See the E-beam or Sputter SOPs for the layout. The
easiest way to make a new SOP is to copy an old one and then change the text.

A document footer should exist on each page listing version number, and “Page X of Y,” with a blue line
on either side.

The word 2007 docx format should be used for all documents. Documents should also be converted to
PDF: several free programs exist such as PDFcreator for this purpose.

The standard font Calibri should be used for body text; Cambria should be used for headings (word 2007
defaults). Headings should use the “title” style, but centered. Normal text should use the “normal” style.
All text should be single-spaced.

Headings should not be over-capitalized. For example, “Machine diagram” or “Figure one”; however, an
exception is made for “Operating Procedure,” in which both words should be capitalized.

The first page of the SOP should be a cover page. The word 2007 Conservative cover page is used.

The second page should be for important information. Be sure to keep the picture on the
bottom of the page. The following need to be placed on all SOP’s:

 You can only use CeNSE laboratories and equipment if you have been approved by Brian or
Chuck, reserved the tool on the calendar, and filled out a form. No Exceptions!
 If the equipment is acting unusual STOP! Please discuss with Brian or Chuck before proceeding
and leave a note on the machine.
 (use if applicable) Gloves should be worn while handling substrate and deposition to reduce
contamination.
 Any accidental damage must be reported immediately.
 All CeNSE laboratories are protected by video surveillance.

The third page should have a diagram of the machine in question. If more diagrams are required, use
more pages. See Diagrams for the format for these.

After the diagrams, the Operating Procedure should begin. See Operating Procedure below.

Page 2 of 6
Version 1.1
After the Operating Procedures, any appendices should follow.

Page 3 of 6
Version 1.1
 Diagrams
Diagrams should be done in SVG format. Do not use bitmap or some format like that. You will regret it.
The free Inkscape is a good choice.

It is important to know how to perform the following: object clipping, node editing, grouping, fill and
stroke.

Text on diagrams:

 Figure numbers should be in Ariel Normal, size 20.

 Normal text should be Ariel Bold, size 20, either (depending on readability):
o Red fill with grey-black 1-pixel stroke, or
o White fill with red 1-pixel stroke
 Lines from text pointing to picture elements should be red, 3 pixels wide. If needed, use a line
with 3 nodes to create a “bend.”
 Lines that display enlargement should consist of:
o A 5-pixel red rectangle around the small part
o A 5-pixel red dotted line to the enlarged image
 A 45-pixel empty border should surround the figure to fit it into the word document under the
heading. You might need to resize it to 83% or so. Pictures should have their own page except
for the heading.
 In Inkscape, to save as a readable image, first use Edit > Select all, then File > Export Bitmap,
then click Selected, and browse to the correct folder and type a filename.

Page 4 of 6
Version 1.1
 Example

Page 5 of 6
Version 1.1
 Operating Procedure
Operating Procedures should be written in outline format, with the following style:

1. Heading (14 pt.)

1.1. Sub-heading (11 pt.)
1.1.1. Sub-sub-heading (11 pt., indent set to .95”)
1.1.2.(The indent to .95” is important, otherwise this happens on the left)

All text should be given in present tense, command form. For example:

2. Load the sample and target

2.1. Open the chamber lid:
2.1.1. Disable the turbo pump by flipping the switch downward on the main panel (figure 1a).
2.1.2. Disable the rough pump by flipping the switch downward on the main panel (figure 1a).
2.1.3. Look through the chamber window and ensure that the shutter is directly below the gun;
if it is not, the shutter will collide with the chamber wall.

Text referring to figures should do so as shown above.

Instructions should be given as if the reader has never used the machine before. Do not assume a
previous knowledge of the machine.

Keep it simple. Rather than one long step, break it up into sub-steps.

Avoid using the 2nd person (“you,” “your,” etc.).

The first step should always be “preparation.” The last step should always be “when you are done with
the machine.” It is preferable to put instructions on (optionally) continuing using the machine before
this last step.

Finally, remember to keep the instructions understandable and professional-looking.

Page 6 of 6
Version 1.1