Location History:
- Ann Arbor Twp., MI (US) (1998)
- Ann Arbor, MI (US) (1993 - 2006)
Company Filing History:
9 out of 3,378 
1 out of 214 
1 out of 3,002 
Years Active: 1993-2006
Title: **Innovative Mind: The Patents and Contributions of Gerard A. Mourou**
Introduction
Gerard A. Mourou is a distinguished inventor based in Ann Arbor, MI, known for his groundbreaking work in the field of ultrafast laser technology. With a remarkable portfolio of 10 patents, Mourou has made significant strides in advancing techniques that manipulate light at the nanoscale. His contributions have not only paved the way for new technologies but have also elevated the scientific community’s understanding of laser applications.
Latest Patents
Among Mourou's latest patents is a **Method for forming nanoscale features**, which presents a versatile technique for machining nanometer-scale features using tightly-focused ultrashort laser pulses. This invention allows for the reduction of feature sizes far below the wavelength of light, enabling nanomachining across a diverse range of materials. The resulting features can be extremely small (less than 20 nm) and exhibit high reproducibility, highlighting the efficiency of this technique.
Another notable patent is the **Method and apparatus for high-energy generation and for inducing nuclear reactions**. This innovative system is designed for generating high-energy particles and facilitating nuclear reactions. It encompasses a laser that emits a high-intensity laser beam aimed at an irradiation target, which produces high-energy particles. A method is detailed that involves ionizing the irradiation target with the laser beam, producing a collimated beam of high-energy particles, and subsequently inducing nuclear reactions on a secondary target containing nuclei.
Career Highlights
Gerard A. Mourou has significantly contributed to scientific knowledge through his association with prestigious institutions such as the University of Michigan and the University of New Mexico. His entrepreneurial spirit and keen research interest have led him to be at the forefront of optical innovations.
Collaborations
Throughout his career, Mourou has collaborated with other prominent figures in his field, including Jeffrey A. Squier and Joo-Hiuk Son. These collaborations have helped to broaden the scope of his research and enhance the practical applications of his inventions, further solidifying his status as a leading inventor.
Conclusion
Gerard A. Mourou embodies the spirit of innovation, demonstrating how creativity and technical expertise can lead to profound advancements in science and technology. His work has not only resulted in key patents but has also inspired a new generation of researchers and inventors to explore the incredible potential of ultrafast lasers and nanotechnology.