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1910 William Shockley is born
William Shockley was born on February 13, 1910, in London, England, to American parents. His early exposure to science and engineering influenced his career path. -
Graduates from Caltech
Shockley earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physics from the California Institute of Technology, developing a strong foundation in theoretical physics. -
Earns a PhD from MIT
Shockley completed his doctorate in physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he studied quantum mechanics and solid-state physics. -
Joins Bell Labs
Shockley was hired by Bell Telephone Laboratories, where he began his work on semiconductors and solid-state physics, key to the invention of the transistor. -
Begins Work on Semiconductor Theory
Shockley studied the properties of semiconductors, exploring how they could be used to amplify electrical signals. -
Contributes to Radar Technology
During World War II, Shockley worked on radar and other military technologies, honing his problem-solving and leadership skills. -
Post-War Return to Bell Labs
Shockley returned to Bell Labs after the war and focused on replacing vacuum tubes with a more efficient technology for signal amplification. -
Collaborates with Bardeen and Brattain
Shockley worked with John Bardeen and Walter Brattain at Bell Labs. They explored how semiconductors could control electrical current. -
Invention of the Point-Contact Transistor
Bardeen and Brattain successfully built the first working transistor, though it was based on Shockley's earlier theories. -
Proposes the Field-Effect Transistor
Shockley theorized the field-effect transistor but was unable to create a working prototype, leading to further experiments with team members John Bardeen and Walter Brattain. -
Develops the Junction Transistor
Shockley invented the junction transistor, an improvement on the point-contact design, which became the basis for modern transistors. -
Publishes "Electrons and Holes in Semiconductors"
Shockley's book became a seminal work in semiconductor physics, spreading knowledge of the transistor's principles. -
Leads Semiconductor Research at Bell Labs
Shockley continued to innovate in semiconductor research, solidifying the transistor's role in modern electronics. -
Establishes Shockley Semiconductor Laboratory
Shockley founded a company to explore semiconductor technologies, paving the way for Silicon Valley's rise. -
Wins Nobel Prize in Physics
Shockley, along with Bardeen and Brattain, received the Nobel Prize for the invention of the transistor, acknowledging their collective achievement. -
Transistor Revolutionizes Technology
The invention of the transistor enabled advances in computing, telecommunications, and consumer electronics, fundamentally shaping the modern world.