Born: January 10, 1898 (Schenectady, New York)
Died: October 12, 1979
Katharine Burr Blodgett (January 10, 1898 – October 12, 1979) was an American physicist and chemist who made significant contributions to the field of surface chemistry. She is best known for her invention of invisible or nonreflective glass while working at General Electric. Blodgett was a trailblazer in her field, becoming the first woman to be awarded a PhD in physics from the University of Cambridge in 1926.
Blodgett was born on January 10, 1898, in Schenectady, New York. She was the second child of Katharine Buchanan (Burr) and George Reddington Blodgett. Tragically, her father, who was a patent attorney at General Electric, was shot and killed by a burglar shortly before she was born. In an effort to bring the killer to justice, GE offered a reward, but the suspect ultimately took his own life in his jail cell.
After her father’s death, Blodgett’s mother moved the family to New York City where they lived comfortably. In 1901, they relocated to France so that the children could become bilingual. They later returned to New York for a year before traveling through Germany. In 1912, the family settled in New York City, and Blodgett attended the Rayson School.
Blodgett’s education was delayed due to her frequent travels, and she didn’t enroll in school until she was eight years old. However, once she began her studies, she excelled academically. While attending the Rayson School, she developed a passion for mathematics and physics, thanks in part to the influence of two exceptional professors: mathematician Charlotte Angas Scott and physicist James Barnes.
In 1917, Blodgett had the opportunity to tour General Electric’s research laboratories with Irving Langmuir, a former colleague of her father and a future Nobel Prize laureate. Impressed by her intellect and potential, Langmuir offered her a research position at GE, but on the condition that she first complete higher education. Blodgett took up the offer and enrolled in a master’s degree program at the University of Chicago after earning her bachelor’s degree.
At the University of Chicago, Blodgett studied gas adsorption under the guidance of Professor Harvey B. Lemon. Her research focused on the chemical structure of gas masks, a topic of great relevance at the time due to World War I. She successfully completed her master’s degree in 1918 and joined Langmuir’s research team at General Electric. Over the next six years, Blodgett continued to make valuable contributions to the field of surface chemistry.
In 1924, Blodgett decided to pursue a doctoral degree to further advance her career within General Electric. Langmuir played a pivotal role in arranging for her to study physics at the renowned Cavendish Laboratory at Cambridge University. Despite some initial reluctance from administrators, she was admitted to Newnham College in 1924, becoming one of the few women enrolled at the time.
Under the supervision of Sir Ernest Rutherford, Blodgett conducted groundbreaking research in the field of surface chemistry. Her studies focused on molecular layers and their behavior on different surfaces. In 1926, she made history by becoming the first woman to receive a PhD in physics from the University of Cambridge.
During her career, Blodgett continued to work at General Electric, where she further honed her expertise in surface chemistry. It was during her time at GE that she made her most significant contribution to the field. Blodgett developed a method for creating invisible or nonreflective glass by layering thin films of different materials on its surface. This invention revolutionized the field of optics and had far-reaching applications in various industries.
Blodgett’s groundbreaking work on nonreflective films earned her numerous accolades and recognition. Her contributions were instrumental in the development of technologies such as anti-glare coatings on eyeglasses and camera lenses. She received several patents for her inventions throughout her career, solidifying her reputation as a pioneering scientist.
Katharine Burr Blodgett’s impact extended beyond her scientific achievements. As a woman working in a predominantly male field during the early 20th century, she faced numerous challenges and discrimination. However, her perseverance and passion for her work enabled her to overcome these obstacles and become a role model for future generations of female scientists.
In conclusion, Katharine Burr Blodgett was a remarkable physicist and chemist who made significant contributions to the field of surface chemistry. Her invention of invisible glass and her groundbreaking research on molecular layers have had a lasting impact on various industries. Blodgett’s pioneering spirit, resilience, and dedication to her work make her an inspirational figure in the history of women in science.
Awards:
– Inventor’s Medal of Honor from the American Chemical Society (1951)
– Garvan Medal from the American Chemical Society (1951)
– Inductee of the National Inventors Hall of Fame (2008)