Last week, just before the end of 2011, Max Collet passed away at the age of 70. Max Collet headed the Image Sensor R&D group of Philips Research for about 12 years in the 80’s. I had the luxury to directly work for him during 16 years, also when he became VP of Philips. Max was a great phycisist. He was a genius when it came down to device physics of image sensors. I, as well as several of my colleagues, learned a lot from him. Max did not publish that much, neither visited conferences or wrote patent applications, so it will not surprise me that the young generation does not know him, but he was key in the development of the Philips’ CCDs in the 70’s and the 80’s. When I took over Max position as R&D manager in 1991, he remained my boss till 1999 when the imaging activities were shifted from Philips Research to Philips Semiconductors. At the time I started working for him in 1983, I asked him what to do. He answered : “Do whatever you like to do, as long as it is good for the company”. Can anyone think of a better boss ? I do appreciate Max a lot, not just as a technical person but also as person. He allowed me to publish my book in 1995, an absolute cornerstone in my personal career. Thanks Max !
Albert.
02-01-2012