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Founding of Bell Laboratories
Around 4000 scientists and engineers were assigned to Bell Laboratories section of the AT&T company. Source: “Nokia Bell Labs History.” Nokia Bell Labs, https://www.bell-labs.com/about/history/#gref. -
First synchronous-sound motion-picture system
Developed the world's first 'synchronous-sound motion-picture system (Britannica). This was huge considering we still use this technology today in movie theaters, televisions, etc. Source: “Bell Laboratories.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., https://www.britannica.com/topic/Bell-Laboratories. -
First long distance television transmission
From Washington DC to New York, Bell Laboratories scientists managed to send the first television signal over a long distance. Source: “The Top Bell Labs Innovations - Part I: The Game-Changers.” Next Generation Communications, http://blog.tmcnet.com/next-generation-communications/2011/08/the-top-bell-labs-innovations---part-i-the-game-changers.html. -
First ever electrical-relay digital computer
Considered to be the first premiered in the world, Bell Laboratories were ahead of the game with relay usage. Source: “Bell Laboratories.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., https://www.britannica.com/topic/Bell-Laboratories. -
Awarded Nobel Prize for Physics
Clinton Davisson, a scientist working for Bell Laboratories, was issued a Nobel Prize regarding his work with electron productivity. Source: “Bell Laboratories.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., https://www.britannica.com/topic/Bell-Laboratories. -
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War Efforts
Due to the existence of World War 2, Bell Laboratories turned their focus on research and product development in support of war efforts. Source: “Nokia Bell Labs History.” Nokia Bell Labs, https://www.bell-labs.com/about/history/#gref. -
Invention of the Transistor
Three scientists at Bell Laboratories developed the transistor. This is still a major component used in today's computing market. Transistors help distribute and amplify electrical signals. Source: “The Top Bell Labs Innovations - Part I: The Game-Changers.” Next Generation Communications, http://blog.tmcnet.com/next-generation-communications/2011/08/the-top-bell-labs-innovations---part-i-the-game-changers.html. -
Awarded Nobel Prize for Physics
For the second time, engineers and scientists at Bell Laboratories managed to obtain a Nobel Prize. The three scientists that were working on the transistor project were awarded the prize for Physics. Source: “Bell Laboratories.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., https://www.britannica.com/topic/Bell-Laboratories. -
Patent filed for the Laser
Charles Townes and Arthur Schawlow's research on the laser reached patent capability. Source: “The Top Bell Labs Innovations - Part I: The Game-Changers.” Next Generation Communications, http://blog.tmcnet.com/next-generation-communications/2011/08/the-top-bell-labs-innovations---part-i-the-game-changers.html. -
Launch of Telstar
AT&T, Bell Laboratories parent company, wanted to demonstrate the capability of using satellite networks for communication transmission. With the help of space agencies, they did just that. Telstar, a system designed by Bell Laboratories, launched on July 10th, 1962 and pioneered how we use satellites ever since. Source: “Mission Monday: Five Fast Facts about Telstar, the World's First Active Communications Satellite.” Space Center Houston, 15 July 2020, -
Awarded Nobel Prize for Physics
A Bell Laboratories scientist, Philip Anderson, received the Nobel Prize for Physics due to his immense researched with disordered materials. Source: “The Nobel Prize in Physics 1977.” NobelPrize.org, https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/physics/1977/anderson/facts/. -
Awarded Nobel Prize for Physics
Two scientists working at Bell Laboratories, Robert Wilson and Arno Penzias were awarded the prestigious medal for their studies on cosmic radiation. Source: “The Nobel Prize in Physics 1978.” NobelPrize.org, https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/physics/1978/summary/. -
World's first Digital signal processor developed
The digital processor is still a widely used technology today, to include video game consoles, cameras, and telephones. Source: “The Top Bell Labs Innovations - Part I: The Game-Changers.” Next Generation Communications, http://blog.tmcnet.com/next-generation-communications/2011/08/the-top-bell-labs-innovations---part-i-the-game-changers.html. -
Company Splitting
AT&T separated into three separate companies. Most Bell Laboratories members arrived at Lucent Technologies for work. Source: “Bell Laboratories.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., https://www.britannica.com/topic/Bell-Laboratories. -
Nokia Purchase
Merged with Nokia to form "Nokia-Bell'. Source: “Bell Laboratories.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., https://www.britannica.com/topic/Bell-Laboratories.
