Chapter 1
Introduction
The proper conduct of science lies in the pursuit of Nature’s puzzles, wherever they
may lead.
J.M. Bishop [2]
Abstract Important dates and events in the history of semiconductors are chronologically listed, from
the early days (Volta, Seebeck and Faraday) to the latest achievements like the blue and white LED.
Many known and not so well known scientists are mentioned. Also a list of semiconductor related
Nobel prizes and their winners is given.
The historic development of semiconductor physics and technology began in the second half of the
19th century. Interesting discussions of the history of the physics and chemistry of semiconductors can
be found in [3–5]. The development of crystal growth is covered in [6]. The history of semiconductor
industry can be followed in [7, 8]. In [9] 141 pioneering papers on semiconductor devices are compiled. In 1947, the commercial realization of the transistor was the impetus to a fast-paced development
that created the electronics and photonics industries. Products founded on the basis of semiconductor
devices such as computers (CPUs, memories), optical-storage media (lasers for CD, DVD), communication infrastructure (lasers and photodetectors for optical-fiber technology, high frequency electronics
for mobile communication), displays (thin film transistors, LEDs), projection (laser diodes) and general
lighting (LEDs) are commonplace. Thus, fundamental research on semiconductors and semiconductor
physics and its offspring in the form of devices has contributed largely to the development of modern
civilization and culture.
1.1 Timetable and Key Achievements
In this section important milestones in semiconductor physics and technology are listed.
1782
A. Volta—coins the phrase ‘semicoibente’ (semi-insulating) which was translated then into English as
‘semiconducting’ [10].
© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021
M. Grundmann, The Physics of Semiconductors, Graduate Texts in Physics,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-51569-0_1
1
Introduction
The proper conduct of science lies in the pursuit of Nature’s puzzles, wherever they
may lead.
J.M. Bishop [2]
Abstract Important dates and events in the history of semiconductors are chronologically listed, from
the early days (Volta, Seebeck and Faraday) to the latest achievements like the blue and white LED.
Many known and not so well known scientists are mentioned. Also a list of semiconductor related
Nobel prizes and their winners is given.
The historic development of semiconductor physics and technology began in the second half of the
19th century. Interesting discussions of the history of the physics and chemistry of semiconductors can
be found in [3–5]. The development of crystal growth is covered in [6]. The history of semiconductor
industry can be followed in [7, 8]. In [9] 141 pioneering papers on semiconductor devices are compiled. In 1947, the commercial realization of the transistor was the impetus to a fast-paced development
that created the electronics and photonics industries. Products founded on the basis of semiconductor
devices such as computers (CPUs, memories), optical-storage media (lasers for CD, DVD), communication infrastructure (lasers and photodetectors for optical-fiber technology, high frequency electronics
for mobile communication), displays (thin film transistors, LEDs), projection (laser diodes) and general
lighting (LEDs) are commonplace. Thus, fundamental research on semiconductors and semiconductor
physics and its offspring in the form of devices has contributed largely to the development of modern
civilization and culture.
1.1 Timetable and Key Achievements
In this section important milestones in semiconductor physics and technology are listed.
1782
A. Volta—coins the phrase ‘semicoibente’ (semi-insulating) which was translated then into English as
‘semiconducting’ [10].
© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021
M. Grundmann, The Physics of Semiconductors, Graduate Texts in Physics,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-51569-0_1
1