Walter H. Brattain
Early Life and Education
Walter Houser Brattain was born on February 10, 1902, in Amoy, China, to American parents Ross R. Brattain and Ottilie Houser Brattain. His father was a teacher, and his mother was a mathematician, which influenced his early interest in science and mathematics. The family returned to the United States when Brattain was a young child, settling in Washington State.
Brattain attended Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physics in 1924. He continued his education at the University of Oregon, obtaining a Master of Arts degree in physics in 1926. Brattain then pursued doctoral studies at the University of Minnesota, where he was awarded a Ph.D. in physics in 1929. His dissertation focused on the electron affinity of tungsten, a topic that would foreshadow his later work in solid-state physics.
Career at Bell Labs
In 1929, Brattain joined Bell Telephone Laboratories, where he would spend the majority of his career. At Bell Labs, he initially worked on the surface properties of solids, particularly the behavior of electrons at the surface of metals and semiconductors. This research was crucial in understanding the electrical characteristics of materials, which would later play a significant role in the development of the transistor.
During World War II, Brattain contributed to the war effort by working on the development of radar technology. His expertise in solid-state physics was instrumental in improving the performance and reliability of radar systems, which were vital for military operations.
Invention of the Transistor
The invention of the transistor is perhaps the most significant achievement of Brattain's career. In the late 1940s, Bell Labs was focused on finding a replacement for the bulky and unreliable vacuum tubes used in electronic devices. Brattain, along with John Bardeen and William Shockley, formed a team to explore the potential of semiconductors as a solution.
On December 16, 1947, Brattain and Bardeen successfully demonstrated the first point-contact transistor. This breakthrough was achieved by manipulating the surface properties of germanium, a semiconductor material, to amplify electrical signals. The transistor revolutionized the electronics industry by providing a smaller, more efficient, and more reliable alternative to vacuum tubes.
Brattain's role in the invention of the transistor was primarily experimental. He was responsible for designing and conducting the experiments that led to the discovery of the transistor effect. His meticulous approach to experimentation and his deep understanding of solid-state physics were crucial to the team's success.
Later Work and Contributions
After the invention of the transistor, Brattain continued to work at Bell Labs, focusing on the physics of semiconductors and surface states. He explored the properties of silicon and other semiconductor materials, contributing to the development of more advanced transistor designs.
In 1956, Brattain, Bardeen, and Shockley were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for their research on semiconductors and their discovery of the transistor effect. This recognition solidified Brattain's place in the history of science and technology.
Brattain retired from Bell Labs in 1967 and joined the faculty at Whitman College as an adjunct professor. He continued to teach and conduct research, inspiring a new generation of physicists with his passion for science and innovation.
Legacy and Impact
Walter H. Brattain's contributions to the field of solid-state physics and the invention of the transistor have had a profound impact on modern technology. The transistor is a fundamental component of virtually all electronic devices, from computers and smartphones to medical equipment and communication systems.
Brattain's work laid the foundation for the development of integrated circuits and the microelectronics industry, which have transformed the way we live and work. His legacy is not only in the technological advancements he helped create but also in the scientific principles and methodologies he championed.
Personal Life
Brattain was known for his modesty and dedication to his work. He married twice, first to Keren Gilmore in 1935, with whom he had a son, William G. Brattain. After Keren's death in 1957, he married Emma Jane Miller in 1958. Brattain was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hiking, fishing, and skiing.
He passed away on October 13, 1987, in Seattle, Washington, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and discovery that continues to influence the world of science and technology.