Established in 1980 by Professor William A. Little, MMR Technologies tapped on the research and developments of Stanford University, namely, micro-miniature, photo-lithographically fabricated, cryogenic refrigerators. These provide cooling functions for MMR’s line of instruments, which are applied in the materials science industry and used in universities and industrial research laboratories. MMR also develops and manufactures reliable, closed cycle cryogenic coolers for the cooling of X-Ray detectors, Low Noise Amplifiers, medical devices, liquefaction of nitrogen and other applications worldwide.
In the mid-1980s the company began developing a new type of refrigeration system for cryo-electronics using multi-component, mixed gas refrigerants as the cooling agents. In 1994 MMR was awarded a major contract by the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington for the development of a low-cost cryocooler for cryoelectronics. This program was highly successful, resulting in the commercialization of MMR’s popular “Kleemenko Cycle” coolers. These low-cost, extremely reliable, closed-cycle cryogenic coolers are now used worldwide for the cooling of X-ray detectors, low noise amplifiers, medical devices, in the liquefaction of nitrogen and in numerous other applications.
MMR developed a cryocooler for operation at 80K (-193° C) for the cooling of germanium photon detectors. MMR manufactures this “X-Cooler” under an exclusive agreement for the ORTEC division of AMETEK. These detectors, which previously had been cooled with liquid nitrogen, are used for X-ray and gamma-ray detection and monitoring of the movement of radioactive materials. MMR has a similar agreement with EDAX, another division of AMETEK, for the manufacture of X-Coolers for cooling Si(Li) detectors. This special type of X-ray detector used in scanning electron microscopes had also been previously cooled with liquid nitrogen. MMR has licensed a related technology for cooling computer chips in workstations, computers and semiconductor test systems to KryoTech, a spin-off from the NCR division of AT&T. Using this technology, KryoTech now supplies chip-testing handlers to many of the major semiconductor manufacturers.
In a joint effort with FemRx, MMR developed a cryosurgical device for the treatment of endometrial bleeding in women. The FDA subsequently approved the device for general surgery, dermatology, neurosurgery, thoracic surgery and other areas of medicine. FemRx was later acquired by Ethicon, a Johnson & Johnson Company, and MMR has obtained a far-reaching patent on the device.
Extending its cryogenic technology, in 2003 MMR introduced an innovative in-office liquid nitrogen generator at the American Academy of Dermatologists’ annual meeting. Designated the Elan2™, this stand-alone nitrogen liquefier is about the size of an office water cooler and produces six liters of liquid nitrogen per day in a normal office or laboratory — out of “thin air.” The unique device is now in production and receiving wide acclaim. See our Elan-2 website: www.elan2.com.
Over thirty years since he founded the company, Dr. Little now serves as Chief Technology Officer and Chief Executive Officer of MMR. The company currently produces several families of instruments built upon its proprietary micro refrigerator technology. These are widely used in universities, research laboratories and industrial applications — for solid-state characterization, materials research, biological and medical research, and more.
MMR world headquarters are located at 1400 North Shoreline Boulevard, Unit A5, Mountain View, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley. MMR’s CryoCooler Division is also located in Mountain View, at 897 Independence Avenue.
MMR’s worldwide sales, service and support are provided through the Mountain View office and by authorized MMR representatives strategically located around the globe.
