Today in Technology History
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September 6
One century ago, on September 6, 1901, Ernst Weber was born in Vienna. He was an engineer who helped develop radar.
Weber was interested in both the practical and theoretical aspects of science and technology, so while he studied engineering at one university, he simultaneously studied physics at another. He earned Ph.D. degrees in both fields.
During the 1920s, Weber worked as an electrical engineer for the Siemens company in Austria and Germany, mostly trying to design industrial machines that wasted less electricity. In 1930, he moved to the U.S. and began lecturing and researching at the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn.
Weber became interested in microwaves -- electromagnetic waves with very short wavelengths and high frequencies. Much of Weber's work in the late 1930s was helpful to scientists trying to build a practical radar system, since radar involves bouncing microwaves off an object to detect its location.
Dr. Weber helped to refine radar equipment during World War II, when it was vital. He also started a company to manufacture components needed for radar, and he obtained more than 30 patents related to microwaves. In 1945, he founded a microwave research lab at the Polytechnic Institute.
In 1957, he took over as president of the Institute, which he led during a period of tremendous growth. He remained active in his profession, too: Weber became the first president of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) in 1963. He received various honors and was decorated by presidents Truman and Reagan.
Weber died in 1996 at the age of 94.
Related links:
Click here to read a long interview with Dr. Weber.
Click here to read an obituary for Dr. Weber.
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