Services
Availability
The Facility is available 24/7 for use by all UCSD researchers, on a recharge basis, as well as external parties. The instruments are typically operated by the users but Facility personnel can acquire data as a service if desired. Contact the Facility to schedule training, and obtain a login ID and password. If you require large amounts of time or need to reserve time far in advance, please contact the Facility.
Fees
The Facility uses a tiered rate structure with one set of rates for UCSD researchers and another for non-UCSD work. We charge for instrument time, the time in which the spectometer is being used, and personnel time, the time taken by Facility personnel actively involved in sample preparation, acquisition, processing, or analysis of data.
Instrument time is calculated based upon the starting and finishing times recorded by the sample changer software. Start time is when the sample changer begins moving the sample into position, and finishing time is when processing of the data is completed. If the instrument does not behave correctly then contact the facility director and/or note the problem in the logbook. Please read the section on failed experiments.
Personnel time is time spent by Facility personnel on sample preparation, spectrometer operation or data analysis. Studies by UCSD researchers requiring extensive support from Facility personnel can be performed as a collaboration or as a sevice, but this decision must be made before starting the work. Collaborative studies will not be charged for labor but must include the involved Facility personnel as authors on any publications arising as a result of the work.
As of 1 April 2024 our fee structure is as follows:
| UCSD | non-UCSD | |
|---|---|---|
| Instrument time | $24.00 / hour | $100.00 / hour |
| Personnel time | $135.00 / hour | $200.00 / hour |
If you wish to have Facility personnel prepare your samples we offer several types of NMR tubes and various solvents, or we can suggest where you might be able to purchase your own. Prices for consumables supplied by the Facility are listed below.
| Category | Item | Unit | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| NMR tubes | 5mm Wilmad 535 PP 7” | 1 tube | $18.50 |
| 1.7mm Bruker 4” | 1 tube | $4.50 | |
| Solvents | acetonitrile-d3 (99.6%) | 0.5 mL | $3.70 |
| chloroform-d (99.8%) | 0.75 mL | $2.50 | |
| deuterium oxide (99.9%) | 0.6 mL | $2.10 | |
| deuterium oxide (99.96%) | 0.6 mL | $8.50 | |
| dimethyl sulfoxide-d6 (99.9%) | 0.75 mL | $2.75 | |
| methanol-d4 (99.8%) | 0.6 mL | $6.50 |
Training
We have found that training is best done in a hands-on fashion using the user's own samples. This allows us to assess the user's abilities and requirements and to tailor training to best meet their needs. If you wish to be trained in the operation of the spectrometers please contact the Facility providing your name, email address, and the name of the responsible PI. We will send you the door codes required to enter the Facility. You can then run your samples with our assistance until demonstrating proficiency. We will provide supervision and assistance until it is clear you can operate the equipment on your own.
Sample submission
Please contact the Facility to discuss your needs when considering submitting a sample for analysis. Samples may be submitted already prepared in NMR tubes or you can provide samples that we will dissolve in the requested deuterated solvents and transfer to the appropriate NMR tube. Data can be returned by electronic means, on paper, or on DVD. Samples can be returned at the submitter's expense if requested.
Data transfer and storage
Users are repsonsible for backing up their own data and moving it off the workstations. Since internet connectivity from the spectrometer workstations is limited most people copy their data to an external drive connected via a USB port.
When data is collected by Facility personnel as a service we will arrange for the data to be provided by an acceptable method, either hardcopy on paper, raw data on an optical disk, or electronic transfer via email or to a secure website.
Old data will be deleted from the workstations periodically. Notice, and the opportunitiy to backup old data, will be given before any data is deleted.
Failed experiments
In the case of experimental failures the PI will not be expected to pay for NMR time if the failure was the responsibility of the Facility. For example, if the instrument broke down, or a standard parameter set provided by the Facility was used and did not work, then charges for the time will be waived. If the failure was the responsibility of the user, e.g. the sample was not concentrated enough or was poorly behaved, a non-standard parameter set was used and did not work, or the experiment was too demanding for the instrument and/or sample, then the user will be responsible for the costs of the time used. Please note that in these cases the user should be able to tell before setting the experiment running that it is unlikely to work. Preliminary 1D spectra or 2D planes of 3D experiments should enable a well-informed decision on the viability of the experiment. If you can't see good signal in your test cases then you should think carefully before setting a long experiment running.
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