UT-MBE Database Overview

The UT-MBE Database is a comprehensive system hosted on the LASE server, designed to support the management of multiple Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) systems and associated data.

Design and Setup

• LASE_settings Database: Contains global settings, including lists of systems, members, substrates, etc., which are used to populate select statements and manage operations. New substrates (e.g., 4 degree offcut InAs) can be added as required.

• Individual MBE System Databases: Each MBE system has its own database containing tables for growths, materials, log, recipes, sources, and events.

• Data Database: Stores all data entries related to different growths and experiments.

Database Maintenance

Routine updates and modifications are essential for maintaining the relevance and accuracy of the database. Changes such as adding new growers, updating sources, or correcting entries are managed through phpMyAdmin.

• Access phpMyAdmin:

  • URL: (Not provided for security)

  • Login: webmaster

  • Password: calciumfluoride

  • Note: This login has high-level permissions, including the potential to delete databases. Handle with care.

Example Task: Changing a Source in System Echo

1. Log into phpMyAdmin: Enter the provided credentials.

2. Navigate to the Echo Database: Select the "Echo" system from the list of databases.

3. Modify Sources:

   • Go to the "sources" table.

   • Edit the entry for La, set "active" to 0 to deactivate it (removing it from the STO generator and the insert growth user interface).

   • Use the 'Insert' tab to add a new entry for Gd, ensuring the Temp_name matches the variable name in the system's software (AMBER).

Current Functionality

• Insert Growth:

  • Log into the database at http://lase.mer.utexas.edu/database with username: lase and password: MerCadTel.

  • Navigate to "Insert Growth" under Database Actions. Complete all fields in the form, setting unused sources to default values.

  • Submitting the form might display SQL code used for insertion; this is for debugging and does not indicate an error.

• Insert Data:

  • Similar login and navigation as "Insert Growth".

  • Select "Insert Data" under Database Actions. Data must be entered in a comma-separated value format. Ensure all fields are filled accurately.

• Find Records:

  • Use the "Find Records" function to search through existing entries.

  • Clicking on a sample ID will display its original growth record, the growth recipe used, and any associated data. Clicking on a date for the data allows downloading the CSV data file.

Requesting New Functionality

• Contact: Email acrook@mail.utexas.edu for new functionality requests or error reporting. Alternatively, requests can be made through a dedicated portal on the database website.