Discover

Share

Download

Features

/

Article

The Foundation of the Silicon Age

DEC 01, 1997

The transistor was the product of basic research with a clear technological goal, but although the new technology was anticipated, its revolutionary impact was not.

DOI: 10.1063/1.881628

Ian M. Ross

If PHYSICS TODAY had been launched just one year earlier—in 1947 rather than 1948—it might have begun life by soliciting a number of articles to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the discovery of the electron by J. J. Thomson. That 1897 event could surely have qualified as the start of the electronics discipline and the industry that followed. It was the new understanding of the properties of the electron that created the field of electronics and that, combined with our developing capability in the electrical, magnetic and mechanical arts, made possible a rich array of new products and services.

This article is only available in PDF format

More about the authors

Ian M. Ross, AT&T Bell Laboratories.

© 1997 American Institute of Physics

Physics Today is looking for a Senior Editor. Apply Now.

Related content

Features

/

Article

Speak easy: The educational benefits of a three-minute research talk

The ability to communicate a key message clearly and concisely to a nonspecialized audience is a critical skill to develop at all educational levels.

February 05, 2026 04:16 PM

Features

/

Article

Making magnetized plasmas in the lab

With strong magnetic fields and intense lasers or pulsed electric currents, physicists can reconstruct the conditions inside astrophysical objects and create nuclear-fusion reactors.

February 04, 2026 01:14 PM

Features

/

Article

Exposing life’s limits with dimensionless numbers

A crude device for quantification shows how diverse aspects of distantly related organisms reflect the interplay of the same underlying physical factors.

January 27, 2026 03:35 PM

Features

/

Article

Celebrations of the international quantum year

Events held around the world have recognized the past, present, and future of quantum science and technology.

January 26, 2026 02:20 PM

This Content Appeared In

Volume 50, Number 12

Get PT in your inbox

PT The Week in Physics

A collection of PT's content from the previous week delivered every Monday.

One email per week

PT New Issue Alert

Be notified about the new issue with links to highlights and the full TOC.

One email per month

PT Webinars & White Papers

The latest webinars, white papers and other informational resources.

1 to 2 emails per week