Renowned inventor George E Smith, co-inventor of the CCD sensor that revolutionized digital cameras, has passed away at the age of 95. A US Navy veteran and Nobel Prize winner, Smith’s invention has had a lasting impact on various fields beyond photography.
Smith, along with Willard S Boyle, developed the charge-coupled device (CCD) in 1969 while working at Bell Labs. Their inspiration came from Einstein’s photoelectric effect, which led them to store current by using rows of small capacitors. The concept was patented in 1974 and later became the basis for the first digital camera.
The CCD sensor has been used extensively in astronomy research, medical imaging, and broadcast, earning Smith recognition for its significant contributions. In his acceptance speech for the Nobel Prize in Physics, Smith acknowledged that “no device is ever perfect, nor is photographic film,” reflecting his humility about his invention’s impact.
Smith’s legacy extends beyond his work on CCD sensors. A pioneer in semiconductor memory chips, he spent over three decades at Bell Laboratories, filing 30 patents and traveling abroad for 17 years after retiring in 1986. His pioneering spirit continues to inspire new generations of inventors and innovators.
Source: https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/cameras/digital-cameras/no-device-is-ever-perfect-nor-is-photographic-film-george-e-smith-co-inventor-of-the-ccd-sensor-has-died