John Bardeen

Date of Birth: May 23, 1908

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: January 30, 1991

Biography

John Bardeen was an American physicist and electrical engineer who made significant contributions to the field of science, particularly in solid-state physics. Born on May 23, 1908, in Madison, Wisconsin, Bardeen is best known for being the only person to have won the Nobel Prize in Physics twice. His first Nobel Prize, awarded in 1956, was shared with William Shockley and Walter Brattain for the invention of the transistor, which revolutionized the electronics industry and paved the way for modern computers and telecommunications. His second Nobel Prize, awarded in 1972, was shared with Leon Cooper and Robert Schrieffer for the development of the theory of superconductivity, known as the BCS theory. Bardeen earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering from the University of Wisconsin. He later pursued a Ph.D. in mathematical physics at Princeton University. After completing his doctorate, he worked at Bell Telephone Laboratories, where he conducted the research that led to the invention of the transistor. He later joined the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he continued his groundbreaking work in physics. Bardeen was known for his modesty and dedication to teaching, mentoring many students who would go on to have distinguished careers of their own. John Bardeen passed away on January 30, 1991, in Boston, Massachusetts, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and scientific achievement.

5 Interesting Facts about John Bardeen

1. John Bardeen is the only person to have won the Nobel Prize in Physics twice.

2. He was a key figure in the invention of the transistor, which is considered one of the greatest inventions of the 20th century.

3. Bardeen also developed the BCS theory of superconductivity, significantly advancing our understanding of quantum mechanics.

4. He was a professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for nearly four decades.

5. Bardeen was known for his humility and was often described as a quiet genius.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Bardeen

1. “Science is a field which grows continuously with ever expanding frontiers.”

2. “The combined results of several people working together is often much more effective than could be that of an individual scientist working alone.”

3. “One of the nice things about science is that it is a very open and international field.”

4. “The transistor was probably the most important invention of the 20th century.”

5. “True scientific discovery requires a mixture of curiosity, patience, and creativity.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

John Bardeen’s net worth was not publicly documented, but his contributions to science have had an immeasurable impact on technology and society.

Children

John Bardeen had three children with his wife, Jane Maxwell: James, William, and Elizabeth. James and William followed in their father’s footsteps, pursuing careers in academia and science.