Transistors

What technology was used prior to transistors to amplify a signal? How did it change the history of communications in the US? What was the metaphor that the video used to describe how this technology worked?
Prior to the use of transistors, the vacuum tube was popular. It was an invention stemmed and altered from the light bulb. Vacuum tubes allowed for increased communication across the U.S., as it amplified signals needed to make phone calls. Without the tube, telephone lines could only allow for an uncertain distance call that could reach around 2/3 of the U.S. from one state to another. With the vacuum tube, telephone lines spread at communications were boosted at an exponential rate. This was crucial technology that would aid the world at war. Still stronger technology was needed, as the vacuum tube was chunky, required too much energy, and had problems burning out.

The metaphor used to describe the technology involved monkeys throwing pebbles past a wall of shutters in order to reach a target. When a monkey would close the shutter, the flow of pebbles(electrons) would stop, but with the switching open of the shutters the electrons would again flow freely towards the target. The shutters represent the technology of the coil within the vacuum tube, at different charges.

Describe the break through in the 1947 that made the transistor a reality?

The discovery of the transistor in 1947 was a happy accident. Bill Shockley, Walter Brattain, and John Bardeen fed of each others research as a team. In 1945 Shockley wanted to invent a successful semiconductor amplifier, but couldn't figure out the error in his research. Shockley gave Brattain and Bardeen the challenge of researching what was hindering the semiconductor device. The two worked tirelessly on adjusting the surface barrier that was the key to the solution. Water seemed to be getting in the way of Bardeen progress in his research in the Fall of 1947. Instead of drying out the surface barrier, Bardeen applied more water--an act that would neutralize it. This made the semiconductor work, but the results were not ideal and efficient enough to amplify sounds clearly. So Bardeen and Brattain had to move away from using liquid.  They tried using an oxide film along with gold and germanium. With the accidental removal of the film, positive charges were able to make their way directly into the germanium, creating the first transistor. Shockley was disappointed that he didn't discover all of this himself, but moved on to strengthen the project so that it could reach a reliable commercial level.

What do we learn from watching this video about group and team dynamics that we can apply to our own situation? What was successful about this team? What was its downfall?

I learned a lot from group dynamics due to this documentary. When colleagues share information, that is when they become the most successful. Ego, greed, and distrust hamper team dynamics, so members should set initial guidelines on how to handle successes and share them. I tend to pick and choose between ideas I am willing to share or keep for myself. Over time, I have learned that it is best to share when it comes to learning or developing concepts, as this allows for constructive criticism and improvements. This Bell Labs team had this initially, so I wonder why Shockley allowed for his competitive heart to overtake him. They were all intelligent so they could successfully learn and grow together. Still the separation during research was what lead to Shockley's jealousy. If he had stuck with them he could have discovered the transistor with Brattain and Bardeen. Everything happens for a reason. The patent controversy was unfortunate though.

What medic and social changes occurred as a result of the transistor?

The transistor aided in the development of technology around the world. Everyone recognized the potential. As a result Sony and Regency (Texas Instruments) were able to develop transistorized radios were developed. Music and news were able to spread and be shared with ease of mobile radios. Transistors also aided in forming the foundation of computer development. This was crucial and is the reason why computers thrive today.