[Boatanchors] Fundamental Research

[Richard Knoppow]

    I think the research behind the laser probably fits in as 
basic research but I am not so sure about the development of the 
transistor. Basic research means the discovery of new physical 
principles, not just the application of known principles to 
practical purposes. I don't remember the details of the 
development of the transistor but it seems to me that "amplifying 
crystals" long predated the transistor even though they were not 
practical. I also do not remember what was attributed to GE as 
basic discovery. However, Bell Labs seems to have been well ahead 
of the game.

On 4/22/2022 3:20 PM, manualman at juno.com wrote:
> I agree with Jim. There were many "fundamental research" projects going
> on at Bell Telephone Laboratories (BTL) all the time. Their fundamental
> research into infrared and optical light as powerful tools for
> spectroscopy  eventually would lead them into the invention of the laser.
> Having worked at Bell Telephone Labs for many years, I was always in awe
> at some the research avenues engineers and scientists were pursuing on a
> daily basis. Was never sorry I turned down a job offer at RCA
> Laboratories in West Windsor/Princeton, NJ and took the job offer at BTL.
> 
> Pete, wa2cwa
> 
> 
> On Fri, 22 Apr 2022 21:33:24 +0000 JAMES HANLON <knjhanlon at msn.com>
> writes:
>> Richard Knoppow wrote"While all did important
>> industrial research none did much fundamental research."  I think
>> Bell Labs' invention of the transistor certainly ranks as important
>> "fundamental research."
>>
>> Jim, W8KGI
> 
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-- 
Richard Knoppow
1oldlens1 at ix.netcom.com
WB6KBL