Georges Claude was a French engineer and inventor, best known for his work in the field of neon lighting. Born on September 24, 1870, he played a significant role in popularizing neon signs, which became iconic in advertising and urban landscapes. His invention of the first neon lamp in 1910 revolutionized the way businesses illuminated their storefronts. In addition to neon lighting, Claude was involved in various scientific endeavors, including the development of the Claude cycle, a thermodynamic cycle for power generation. His contributions to engineering and technology have had a lasting impact on both the lighting industry and energy production.