DMSE Breakerspace

The DMSE Breakerspace is a materials exploration lab and lounge open to MIT undergraduates. Students can get trained to use desktop characterization instruments, investigate their own materials questions, document projects, and use the lounge as a place to gather, work, and recharge.

Start Here

Choose the situation that best matches what you are trying to do. You do not need to understand the lab’s organization or know a specific instrument before getting started.

I want to learn an instrument

Learn how training works, choose an instrument, and find an upcoming hands-on session.

Get trained

I need to find the right instrument

Browse what each instrument can show you and find the relevant training, operating guidance, and reservation information.

Explore instruments

I am ready to use an instrument

Check availability and reserve time on an instrument for which you have completed training.

Reserve instrument time

I want to use the lab in a subject

Explore collaboration models ranging from a short visit to instrument training, project support, or a course-integrated activity.

Plan a teaching collaboration

Something isn't working, or I need advice

Get help with instrument problems, access and account issues, files and data, unusual samples, and advanced characterization work.

Get help

I want to use the lounge

Learn about current lounge access, hours, food and drink boundaries, shared-space expectations, and amenities.

Visit the lounge page

Still not sure where to begin? Ask someone in the lab or email dmse-breakerspace@mit.edu.

Location, Hours, And Arrival

The Breakerspace instrument lab is in MIT Building 8, Room 8-102A. Enter through the Breakerspace Lounge from the Building 8 corridor; the instrument lab doors open from inside the lounge.

The Breakerspace lab and lounge are open 8 AM to midnight, seven days/week.

Lounge access and instrument authorization are separate. New lab users should complete the relevant training before reserving or using instruments independently. See Get Trained for the onboarding pathway and upcoming sessions. If no listed training works for you, email dmse-breakerspace@mit.edu and the team will help arrange an option.

Before working independently, review Safety And Lab Use for lab-wide rules on PPE, samples, guests, cleanup, reservations, and emergency response.