Hi everyone So I had some beer with a professor from INL, she's doing Optronic design, ranging from building quantum CPUs to treating cancer. Besides having a pleasurable two hours, she also advised me on how to approach INL and offered help in establishing contact. I also discussed with her the mask less stepper aligner idea and INL would most likely be taking one. I also have talked to Mohamed and discussed with him the mask less stepper aligner idea as well, he can put me into touch with Skywater, as soon as I'm done. In order to avoid mechanical deformation which might bring the aperture out of focus due to thermal expansion, I decided to manufacture the machine from Aluminum Oxide, an industrial ceramic which is harder than steel. I think the rigidity of the material is acceptable, considering that it will be a stationary machine in a clean room. On Sunday I can't make it to the Mumble session BTW, because I'll be on a bus ride to another city, to visit the parents of a friend for a few days.

Cheers -lev