Wetenschap in bedrijf: ontwikkeling en organisatie van het halfgeleideronderzoek binnen de N.V. Philips’ Gloeilampen-Fabrieken (1930-1955)

Abstract

Science in an industrial context: development and organisation of the semiconductor research of the N. V. Philips' Gloeilampenfabrieken (1930-1955) A study has been made of semiconductor research in the Netherlands during the period 1930-1955. Research was only performed by the N.V. Philips' Gloeilampenfabrieken at Eindhoven, especially within its Natuurkundig Laboratorium (Physical Laboratory). From 1914 Philips spent much attention to scientific research. This is due to its type of products. In the case of semiconductors the laboratory first studied barrier layer semiconductors, in particular selenium. During the second world war new types of resistors were developed as a result of the work on spinels and controlled valency. After the war the germanium technology appeared to have been developed so far that germanium formed the ideal semiconductor material; later it was superseded by silicon. On all these three fields Philips' Natuurkundig Laboratorium played an important role, although a different one in each of the three mentioned developments. In addition it can be said that the function of scientific research was by no means a constant one. In particular, during the last years of the period studied here the position of the Natuurkundig Laboratorium changed considerably.