Valentin Gapontsev

Valentin Gapontsev
Dr. Valentin Gapontsev
Born	Valentin P. Gapontsev (1939-02-23)23 February 1939 Moscow, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union
Died	22 October 2021(2021-10-22) (aged 82)
Citizenship	Russian and American
Education	Lviv Polytechnic National University Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology
Known for	Founder, CEO and chairman, IPG Photonics
Spouse(s)	Married
Children	1

Valentin P. Gapontsev (23 February 1939 – 22 October 2021)^[1] was a Russian-American billionaire, and the founder, CEO, and chairman of IPG Photonics. At the time of his death, his net worth was estimated at US$2.3 billion.^[2]

Early life[]

Valentin Gapontsev was born in Moscow, the son of an artillery captain.^[3] The family moved to Lviv in 1946, and he spent the next 20 years there.^[3] He was educated at Lviv Polytechnic National University and Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, receiving a Ph.D.^[2]  From 1967 until the early 1990s, he worked at the Soviet Academy of Science, where he held the positions of Senior Scientist in Laser Material Physics and Head of Laboratory.

Career[]

Dr. Gapontsev had over forty years of experience in the field of non-radiative energy transfer in rare earth ions and solid state materials. With this scientific background, he predicted an effective high power fiber laser when fiber lasers had output powers of several watts.  In his 1990 paper discussing the theoretical feasibility of a high power fiber laser with kilowatt scale average output power, he set in motion his quest and mission to develop fiber lasers into a more reliable and cost-effective lasers.  

He is widely credited with having created the fiber laser industry by manufacturing reliable, cost-effective and higher power solid-state lasers that can be used in a growing number of applications. Even today, his vision continues to guide innovation and development for new laser architectures, mid-IR, UV and ultra-fast lasers grounded on his deep knowledge and research into laser glasses.

He founded IPG Photonics in 1990^[2] using his scientific expertise in laser materials and optical science. Dr. Gapontsev overcame many difficulties, mainly starting a high-technology company as an academic researcher with no business experience and with no capital.  

He shortly proved himself by winning a large supply contract from a large European telecom equipment manufacturer and subsequently opened technology and manufacturing facilities in Germany in 1994, followed by the US and Italy.  While other companies outsourced development and production of components, he went in the opposite direction championing the IPG vertically-integrated business model that leads to faster development time with improved results, higher margins and better protection of intellectual property.

In 1999, the Optical Society of America honored him with its Engineering Excellence award.

In 2001, Worcester Polytechnic Institute granted him an honorary degree of doctor of engineering for his visionary leadership in the emerging field of photonics and for the business acumen that has positioned his company strongly within the global marketplace.

In 2006, Dr. Gapontsev was New England Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year® Award Recipient in the category of Industrial Products and Services.

In 2009, the Laser Institute of America’s (LIA) awarded him the Arthur L. Schawlow award which honors individuals who have made distinguished contributions to applications of lasers in science, industry, education or medicine. The LIA recognized Dr. Gapontsev as “the father of the fiber-laser industry as it is known today, who has pioneered the field in five decades of academic work and as the founder and CEO of a global technology company that continues to transform the laser industry.”  

In 2010, the SPIE listed Dr. Gapontsev as one of 28 “Laser Luminaries” who made substantial contributions lasers during the 50 years since lasers were invented.

In 2011, he received the Russian Federation National Award in Science and Technology for his set of innovative designs and his creation of high-quality production of fiber lasers and fiber optic backbone and local connection systems. The Award was presented by Russian Federation President, Dmitry Medvedev to Dr. Gapontsev as one of the best representatives of Russian science and art.

In 2011, the Optical Society of America honored Dr. Gapontsev by electing him as a Fellow of the Society for “technical leadership in developing high power fiber lasers and vision and business leadership in commercializing high power fiber lasers.” The OSA Fellow designation is awarded to OSA members who have made significant contributions to the advancement of optics. The number of Fellows is limited by the Society's bylaws to be no more than 10% of the total OSA membership.

In 2020, Forbes ranked him No. 359 on the Forbes 400 of the richest people in America.^[4]

He is widely credited with having created the fiber laser industry by manufacturing reliable, cost-effective and higher power solid-state lasers that can be used in a growing number of applications.  Dr. Gapontsev is the named inventor on over 100 patents and author of over 200 scientific papers.

Dr. Gapontsev was universally admired for his vision and success in scientific innovations married to entrepreneurial drive over the last thirty years.  He was a passionate leader for IPG, leaving indelible marks on everything and everyone he touched.  

Personal life[]

He was married, with one child, and lived in Worcester, Massachusetts.^[2]

Gapontsev and his family own 47.6% of IPG.^[5]

Gapontsev died on 22 October 2021. The cause of death is unknown, but it is known that he had cancer.^[6]

References[]

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