Three light experts won the Nobel Prize in Physics

Thanks to the invention of image sensors and optical fibers, three US national scientists won the Nobel Prize for Physics in 2009. Their invention lays the foundation for digital imaging and data transmission technology.

According to AP, Dr. Charles K. Kao, 75, received half of the Nobel prize money ($ 1.4 million) by discovering how to transmit light signals through glass fibers of similar thickness. human hair in 1966. At that time he worked at the Standard Telecommunications Experimental Center in Harlow City (UK). This center belongs to Standard Telephones and Cables (UK). His findings lay the foundation for the advent and development of fiber optic telecommunications networks. These networks transmit high-speed audio, video and data around the world.

Mr. Charles K. Kao.(Photo: AP)

" Wheels are the foundation of transportation, and fiber is the cornerstone of telecommunications networks. Optical fiber allows us to transmit information with minimal energy to very far places with the speed of light. " Said Richard Epworth, who worked with Kao at Standard Telecommunications Testing Center.

Two physicists Willard S. Boyle, 85, and George E. Smith, 79, shared half of the remaining prize money for the 2009 Nobel Prize in Physics. CCD image transformer - considered the " eye " of digital cameras - at Bell Laboratories in 1969. Image sensors have the ability to turn light into pixels (pixels). A set of pixels makes up all digital images.

Two physicists Willard S. Boyle (left) and George E. Smith (right).(Photo: science.ca)

" The invention of Willard S. Boyle and George E. Smith creates a revolution in the field of recording, because we can now capture light as an electrical signal without film as before ", the Institute The Royal Swedish Science, the body awarded the Nobel Prize, commented.

Today, CCD image sensors are present in millions of electronic devices - from cameras to medical devices. It also revolutionized astronomy, because artificial satellites are equipped with digital cameras capable of capturing cosmic images that could not be observed by previous machines. Later, the satellites transmitted images to the earth for scientists to study.

" The work of Charles K. Kao, Willard S. Boyle and George E. Smith really changed people's lives. Their impact on science is extremely large, " Joseph Nordgren, chairman of the committee. The physics department of the Swedish Royal Academy of Sciences said.

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences said all three scientists were American citizens. Boyle is also Canadian. Kao was born in Shanghai (China) and bears dual British and American citizenship.