Lee de Forest

26 August 1873 – 30 June 1961

Lee de Forest was an American inventor and a pioneer of radio and sound-on-film motion pictures. He is best known for inventing the Audion, a triode vacuum tube that made possible the amplification of electrical signals, a foundational device for the development of electronics.

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Life events

Born in Council Bluffs, Iowa
26 August 1873

Lee de Forest was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Birth ✓
PhD from Yale University
1899

De Forest earned his doctorate from Yale's Sheffield Scientific School.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Invented the Audion triode vacuum tube
1906

De Forest patented the Audion, the first triode capable of amplifying signals.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
Broadcast early radio transmissions
1910

De Forest conducted pioneering experimental radio broadcasts, including opera performances.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
Developed the Phonofilm sound-on-film system
1919

De Forest patented Phonofilm, a system for recording sound directly onto motion picture film.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
Published his autobiography Father of Radio
1950

De Forest released his autobiography reflecting on his inventions.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Received an honorary Academy Award
1960

De Forest was honored by the Academy for his pioneering work on sound film.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Died in Hollywood, California
30 June 1961

De Forest died in Hollywood, California.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Death ✓