Laser Thermal Powers Ahead

February 9, 2024 John Gaskins

Virginia Startup’s $2.9 Million Expansion Sparks Innovation and Job Growth – Read more

In a significant boost to the technological landscape of Virginia, Laser Thermal, a nanotechnology company born out of the University of Virginia, has embarked on an exciting expansion in the City of Charlottesville. Governor Glenn Youngkin recently unveiled the company’s plans to invest $2.9 million, aimed at bolstering research and development (R&D) capabilities. This strategic move will generate 28 new job opportunities across its manufacturing and research facilities.

Laser Thermal Pioneers The Way

 

Background

Founded in Charlottesville, VA with a mission to empower material scientists and thermal modelers in semiconductors, academics, government research, aerospace, ceramics and more with better, faster, more accurate thermal metrology data, our company has been a beacon of innovation since its inception. 

Innovation in Thermal Metrology

Laser Thermal’s crowning achievement lies in the development of innovative thermal metrology equipment. This technology is capable of delivering swift, precise, and reliable thermal measurements at the nano-scale—a solution that positions the company at the forefront of the industry. The proprietary SSTR-F (Steady-State Thermoreflectance in Fiber Optics) analysis tool, currently produced by Laser Thermal, is just the tip of the iceberg. The company has ambitious plans for 2024 and beyond, with the release of several additional solutions that promise to redefine the standards of precision in thermal, optical, and dimensional measurements.

Mission and Impact

Laser Thermal’s overarching mission is to propel materials science forward by offering simplified, accurate, and rapid measurement and analysis of challenging nano-scale properties. These include thermal characteristics, optical properties, and dimensional intricacies. By providing a deeper understanding of materials, Laser Thermal empowers its customers to drive innovation and produce higher quality products.

Collaborative Approach

Laser Thermal collaborates with industrial partners, academic institutions, and various branches of the Department of Defense. This collaborative effort is integral to the company’s strategy of commercializing unique technologies that cater to the evolving needs of cutting-edge test and measurement requirements.

Laser Thermal: The Leader in Thermal Metrology

With a track record of pioneering solutions and a vision for the future, Laser Thermal stands poised to leave a significant mark on the landscape of thermal metrology and materials science.

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John Gaskins

John Gaskins

John Gaskins leads Laser Thermal with a focus on translating fundamental thermal science into measurement tools that serve industry. His work sits at the intersection of rigorous metrology and practical engineering, building instruments that answer questions existing tools were not designed to address.
John earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from the University of Virginia, then joined the ExSiTE Lab, one of the leading research programs in the interrogation of thermal properties at small scales, rising from Research Associate to Principal Scientist and co-director before founding Laser Thermal in 2020.
At Laser Thermal, John owns product strategy, customer engagement, and the translation of thermoreflectance methods into repeatable, industry-ready workflows. He works directly with customers across microelectronics, defense, and advanced manufacturing to ensure measurements connect to material and device decisions. He has authored or co-authored more than 70 peer-reviewed technical papers and was an invited speaker at FCMN 2026. He serves on boards and advisory committees spanning entrepreneurship, manufacturing, and scientific advising, including Venture Central, GENEDGE, and the Scientific Advisory Committee for the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
John lives in Charlottesville with his wife and two children.