Professor Jean-Francois Muller (1940-2024) Mass Spectrometry and Laser Desorption/Ionisation.

Abstract

Born in 1940, Jean-Francois Muller was one of the leading figures in mass spectrometry in France. In the 1980s, he understood the value of laser microprobes coupled to mass spectrometry for the study of organic and inorganic compounds. He became one of the pioneers of laser desorption/ionisation, highlighting the value of resonant ionisation coupled to mass spectrometry. Professor at the University of Metz, he created the Mass Spectrometry and Laser Chemistry Laboratory in 1983. Attentive to technological developments, he joined forces with Nicolet company in the mid-1980s to develop the first multi-wavelength Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance MS laser microprobe in 1988. He had a pioneer contribution in the development of high magnetic field mass spectrometry, which led him to work with major industrial groups. As a keen teacher and researcher, he supervised around fifty doctoral theses and is the author and co-author of almost two hundred publications. Professor emeritus in 2006, a man of great scientific culture and a member of the Lorraine Academy of Sciences, Jean-François Muller gave his last lecture on elementary particles on 14 December 2023 at Metz city hall, his adopted city. This article is a tribute to his career and traces his significant contribution and his great impact on the scientific community at the local, national and international levels.