in Physics for IC Invention Stockholm-Jack S. Kilby, 76, was recently awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for his role in inventing the integrated circuit more than 42 years ago, while an engineer at Texas Instruments, Dallas.

Jack Kilby Photo: Texas Instruments

Kilby shared the award with Zhores L. Alferov of St. Petersburg, Russia, and Herbert Kroemer, University of California at Santa Barbara, for their work in developing semiconductor heterostructures used in high-speed- and opto-electronics.

In the past, the invention of the IC has been controversial, with some historians claiming the IC was co-invented by Kilby and the late Dr. Robert N. Noyce, a co-founder of Intel Corp., Santa Clara.

The Swedish Academy, in presenting the award to Kilby, worked around the controversy by saying that Kilby was receiving the prize "for his part in the invention of the integrated circuit."

In an interview posted at TI's Website [ti.com], Kilby, when asked about the "co-invention," says, "Today people tend to credit me with having the original idea and [making] the first circuits.

"They tend to credit Noyce with having made a major improvement with the use of planar technology, which tremendously expanded the field and contributed to cost reductions...." [kva.se]

Author, Explorer Ballard Will Keynote APEX 2001 Conference

San Diego-Deep sea explorer and author Dr. Robert Ballard will deliver the keynote address on January 16 at next year's APEX.

Dr. Ballard has made several world famous discoveries, including finding the sunken R.M.S. Titanic and the remains of the German battleship Bismarck. Ballard has been involved in more than 100 deep-sea expeditions, spending more time underwater than any other scientist.

APEX, organized by IPC's SMEMA Council, will run from January 14-18 at the San Diego Convention Center. [apex2001.org]