John Bardeen

Explore the timeline of John Bardeen, an eminent physicist and electrical engineer, known for his key contributions to the invention of the transistor and the theory of superconductivity. Discover the milestones in his illustrious career, including his unprecedented achievement of winning the Nobel Prize in Physics twice.

Born: May 23, 1908
Physicist

23 mei 1908

23 december 1947

10 december 1956

15 maart 1957

10 oktober 1972

15 februari 1991

23mei
1908
23 May 1908

Birth of John Bardeen

John Bardeen, a pivotal figure in American electrical engineering and physics, was born on May 23, 1908, in Madison, Wisconsin, USA. His contributions to the field of solid-state physics, particularly his part in the invention of the transistor and his theories on superconductivity, have made a significant impact globally. His work revolutionized the electronics industry, laying the groundwork for the development of almost all modern electronic devices.

23december
1947
23 December 1947

Invention of the Transistor

On December 23, 1947, John Bardeen, along with William Shockley and Walter Brattain, invented the first working transistor at Bell Labs, a discovery that marked a new era in electronics. The transistor rapidly replaced vacuum tubes in electronic devices, leading to smaller, more efficient technology and paved the way for the development of the digital computer. This invention opened the door to modern electronics and telecommunications industries.

10december
1956
10 December 1956

Nobel Prize in Physics 1956

John Bardeen was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1956, shared with William Shockley and Walter Brattain, for their joint research on semiconductors and their discovery of the transistor effect. This recognition was a testament to the profound impact their work had on the advancement of technology and electronics, further affirming the significance of their invention in the scientific community and its applications in industry.

15maart
1957
15 March 1957

BCS Theory of Superconductivity

In 1957, John Bardeen, together with Leon Cooper and Robert Schrieffer, developed the BCS theory of superconductivity, which provided a comprehensive explanation for the phenomenon of superconductivity. This groundbreaking theory solved many of the mysteries surrounding this subject, describing how electron pairs enable electric current to flow without resistance. Their BCS theory became a cornerstone in theoretical physics and solidified Bardeen's legacy as a leading physicist of his time.

10oktober
1972
10 October 1972

Second Nobel Prize in Physics

John Bardeen made history by becoming the first person to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics twice. In 1972, he shared the prize with Leon Cooper and Robert Schrieffer for their jointly developed theory of superconductivity, known as the BCS theory. This accolade underscored the profound impact of his contributions to physics, further embellishing his remarkable career and reinforcing his role as a revolutionary figure in the field of electrical engineering and physics.

15februari
1991
15 February 1991

John Bardeen's Death

John Bardeen passed away on February 15, 1991, in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, at the age of 82. His death marked the loss of one of the most innovative minds in physics and electrical engineering. Bardeen's profound influence on modern technology through his pioneering work on the transistor and superconductivity has left a lasting legacy, impacting industries worldwide with technologies developed from his discoveries.

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