IMRA America and Jenoptik announce license agreement

27 Mar 2014

Deal allows Jenoptik to deploy some of IMRA’s “cold forming” laser-machining techniques.

IMRA America, Ann Arbor, MI, USA, a developer of ultrafast fiber lasers and Jenoptik Laser, Jena, Germany, have announced that they have entered into a license agreement to permit Jenoptik to use certain of IMRA America’s patent rights.

These include US patents RE37,585 and 5,656,186, which encompass a "method for controlling configuration of laser induced breakdown and ablation." The agreement is specifically designed to enable Jenoptik ultra-fast customers to utilize the patent family to create advanced micro-machined products.

This patent family was invented by Gerard Mourou and his team while at the University of Michigan and is licensed to IMRA from the University of Michigan. The invention is fundamental in taking advantage of ultrafast lasers for micromachining. The inventors recognized that ultrashort pulses are shorter than the time needed for most energy transfer processes within the material. Therefore deterministic, ultra-precise material processing could be realized. This method is sometimes referred to as "cold" or "thermal" machining.

Takashi Omitsu, President of IMRA, said, "We are gratified that Jenoptik has joined many other large laser companies in recognizingh the importance of intellectual property and particularly the strength of the Mourou patent. This patent has enabled ultrafast lasers to be used in an entirely new class of micromachining that has created new state-of-the-art products such as medical stents, electronic displays and fuel injection nozzles.

"This intellectual property is valuable to the laser community and such is best shared, with appropriate business agreements between companies. We are delighted to follow this criterion to the benefit of the original inventors, their institution and the rightful users of the invention."

Dr. Thomas Fehn, Executive VP of Jenoptik’s Lasers & Material Processing division, said, "Jenoptik really appreciates the possibility of moving aggressively into the area of ultrafast laser processing secured for our customers by this agreement. This development complements Jenoptik’s strategic road-map. The partnership we have had with IMRA over a number of years adds value to our Lasers & Material Processing division."

About the Author

Matthew Peach is a contributing editor to optics.org.