# Key Points from IRC Discussions on DIY Scientific Instrumentation

- A DIY scanning tunneling microscope (STM) project was shared (https://dberard.com/home-built-stm/), demonstrating the growing accessibility of advanced scientific instrumentation through open-source approaches.

- Participants discussed repurposing piezoelectric disks by cutting them into octants to create low-cost vacuum pumps, with the potential to achieve ultrahigh vacuum if operated at speeds comparable to turbomolecular pumps.

- The Murgen project was highlighted as a promising open-source medical ultrasound development kit, showing interest in democratizing medical technology through DIY approaches.

- A user described repairing an oil-free air compressor and documenting their scanning electron microscope (SEM) on takeitapart.com, reflecting the community's focus on equipment repair and documentation.

- Piezoelectric motors, particularly inchworm linear motors, were discussed as potential components for small-scale microelectronics production, indicating interest in accessible manufacturing technologies.

- The Atom text editor (https://atom.io/) was recommended for its package-based extension system and memory efficiency, showing the community's interest in flexible development tools.

- A novel piezoelectric vacuum pump design was proposed with a pizza-slice configuration featuring a central hole for gas entry, demonstrating creative approaches to scientific equipment design.