Morgan Sparks (r) with Gordon K. Teal in 1953

Morgan Sparks (July 6, 1916 – May 3, 2008) was an American scientist and engineer who helped develop the microwatt bipolar junction transistor in 1951, which was a critical step in making transistors usable for every-day electronics.[1][2] Sparks directed Sandia National Laboratories.[1][3]

Early life and education

Sparks was born in Pagosa Springs, Colorado and earned his BA and MA degrees, both in chemistry, at Rice University. He then did his PhD work in physical chemistry at the University of Illinois, Urbana.[1][2]

Career

Sparks went on to work at Bell Labs where John Bardeen, Walter Brattain and William Shockley were developing the first transistor.[1] Sparks stayed at Bell Labs and worked there to develop the microwatt bipolar junction transistor which helped make transistors practical enough for common use. Later, Sparks left Bell Labs to become the director of Sandia National Laboratories.[1]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Melanie Dabovich (Associated Press) (2008-05-06). "Former Sandia labs director dies". New Mexico: Las Cruces Sun-News. Archived from the original on 2008-05-10. Retrieved 2008-05-07.
  2. 1 2 "Morgan Sparks". PBS. Retrieved 2008-05-06.
  3. ↑ "Former Sandia Labs Director Morgan Sparks dies - May 6, 2008". share-ng.sandia.gov. Retrieved 2019-11-18.


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