Mill Talk: AT&T’s Idea Factory—How Bell Labs invented the technology of the future

The presentation will explain the origins and unique capabilities of Bell Laboratories, AT&T’s vaunted R&D organization. The work at the Labs led to many of the most revolutionary technologies of the 20th century, including the transistor, the laser, digital communications, the solar cell, and communications satellites.

But why was Bell Labs so innovative? What went on inside this remarkable organization? How did its engineers and scientists organize and conduct their work—and how did it help the phone company and enable modern communications?

This 45-minute talk will explain the importance and function of Bell Labs; it will also tell the in-depth story of two of the Labs’ most formative technologies: the transistor and solar cell. A question-and-answer period will follow afterwards. Presented by Jon Gertner, journalist and historian.

The talk is free, but seating is limited and registration is required.