IMRA PRESS RELEASE - 04/2008
For Immediate Release
IMRA America Obtains license for Ultrafast Laser Machining Technology from the
University of Toronto
Ann Arbor, April 17, 2008—
IMRA America (IMRA), a world leader in ultrafast fiber lasers, and the University of Toronto (U of T) and
are pleased to announce that IMRA has acquired a license to rights under US Patent # 6,552,301 for a novel
method of micromachining with short pulse lasers developed by U of T researchers. This license gives IMRA
the right to sublicense this micromachining technology to its customers.
The “Burst ultrafast laser machining method” was invented by two U of T professors -- Dr. Robin Marjoribanks
of the Department of Physics, Dr. Peter Herman of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Anton
Oettl, an exchange student from the University of Freiburg, Germany.
The key benefit of the burst-ultrafast laser machining method is its high speed – it is 100 times faster than existing
technology – and its ability to delicately process brittle materials. The method expands the range of laser processing
and will be especially useful in manufacturing optical-circuits, biochips, microelectronics, and flat panel displays.
It is also expected to have broad impact in areas like drug discovery, health and security.
Mr. Takashi Omitsu, President of IMRA America, commented, “IMRA has invested over 15 years in the research and development
of ultrafast fiber laser technology and has developed world-recognized products finding applications in eye surgery, micromachining and
semiconductor processing, to name but three promising areas. We are delighted to continue our policy of partnering with others through
this new licensing growth area working with the U of T. We continue to offer our own intellectual property (IP) to other companies in
order to foster growth in ultrafast fiber laser technology.”
Marjoribanks and Herman praised the Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council
of Canada for providing critical funding for the research.
“OCE is delighted to see laser research from the University of Toronto have such a profound impact,” said Mark Romoff,
OCE President and CEO. “It’s especially gratifying to imagine a wide spectrum of industry sectors across North America, and
potentially globally, working more efficiently and effectively with technology developed by Ontario researchers.”
About IMRA America, Inc.
Founded in 1990, IMRA America, Inc., headquartered in Ann Arbor, Mich., is a global-acting company dedicated to being the leader in the development of ultrafast fiber laser technologies for commercial applications. IMRA’s turnkey fiber lasers with their compact size, high stability and maintenance-free operation, are ideal optical pulse sources for: material processing, semiconductor inspection and repair, homeland security, instrumentation, medical diagnostics and therapy, and telecommunications. They are based on IMRA’s proprietary fiber oscillator, fiber amplifier, and advanced pulse compressor technologies, documented in over 80 U.S. patents and patent applications and many more worldwide. In addition to delivering innovation through its products, IMRA America offers its technologies through patent and technology licensing. For information, visit
www.imra.com or call (734) 930-2560.
About the University of Toronto
The University of Toronto has assembled one of the strongest research and teaching faculties in North America, presenting top students at all levels with an intellectual environment unmatched in breadth and depth on any other Canadian campus.
U of T faculty co-author more research articles than their colleagues at any university in the US or Canada other than Harvard. As a measure of impact, U of T consistently ranks alongside the top five U.S. universities whose discoveries are most often cited by other researchers around the world. U of T scholars are also widely recognized for their teaching strengths and commitment to graduate supervision.
Established in 1827, the University of Toronto operates in downtown Toronto, Mississauga and Scarborough, as well as in 10 renowned academic hospitals. www.utoronto.ca
About Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) Inc.
(www.oce-ontario.org)
Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) Inc. drives the commercialization of cutting-edge research across key market sectors to build the economy of tomorrow and secure Ontario’s global competitiveness. OCE also fosters the training and development of the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs and business leaders, and is a key partner with Ontario’s industry, universities, colleges, research hospitals, investors and governments. OCE’s five Centres work in communications and information technology, earth and environmental technologies, energy, materials and manufacturing and photonics.
For more information, please contact:
IMRA America, Inc.
1044 Woodridge Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Phone: (734) 930-2560
Fax: (734) 930-9957
e-mail: lasers@imra.com
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