Vladimir K. Zworykin

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Муром школа 16 памятная табличка

Zworykin kinescope 1929

Zworykin patent (1923)

Vladimir Zworykin and historic TV tubes

Zworykin1931iconoscope

Vladimir K. Zworykin (July 30, 1888 – July 29, 1982) was a Russian-American engineer and inventor, who is often referred to as the "father of television". His pioneering work in electronic technology, particularly in the development of the iconoscope and the kinescope, laid the foundation for the modern television industry. Zworykin's inventions transformed the way people receive information and entertainment, making him a pivotal figure in the history of broadcasting and electronic communication.

Early Life and Education

Vladimir Kosma Zworykin was born in Murom, Russia, in 1888. He received his first degree in electrical engineering from the St. Petersburg Institute of Technology in 1912. After completing his education, Zworykin worked for a brief period in the radio industry in Russia before moving to the United States in 1918. In the U.S., he continued his studies and obtained a Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh in 1926.

Career and Contributions

Zworykin's career in electronics and broadcasting began in earnest when he joined the Westinghouse Electric Corporation in 1920. It was during his time at Westinghouse that he developed the iconoscope, an early electronic camera tube, in the late 1920s. This invention was crucial in the evolution of television as it allowed for the conversion of images into electronic signals, which could then be transmitted over distances and displayed on a screen.

In 1929, Zworykin demonstrated the first practical electronic system for both the transmission and reception of images using the iconoscope. However, the full potential of his invention was not realized until he joined the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) in 1930. At RCA, Zworykin continued his work on television technology and developed the kinescope, or picture tube, which improved the quality of the displayed images.

Throughout his career, Zworykin was a prolific inventor, holding over 120 patents. His work extended beyond television to include contributions to the development of electron microscopes and various electronic devices used in medicine and military applications.

Legacy

Vladimir K. Zworykin's contributions to electronic engineering and television technology have had a lasting impact on the media landscape. His inventions paved the way for the widespread adoption of television, changing how people access information and entertainment. Zworykin received numerous awards and honors for his work, including the National Medal of Science in 1966.

Zworykin's legacy is not only evident in the devices and technologies he helped create but also in the generations of engineers and inventors he inspired. His vision and innovations continue to influence the fields of broadcasting and electronic communication to this day.

Death

Vladimir K. Zworykin passed away on July 29, 1982, one day before his 94th birthday, in Princeton, New Jersey. His contributions to the field of electronic engineering and television technology are remembered and celebrated worldwide.