John Robertson (physicist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Robertson
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John Robertson in 2015
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| Born | 1950 (age 74–75) |
| Alma mater | University of Cambridge (BA, PhD) |
| Awards | FRS (2015) |
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| Thesis | Electronic States in Amorphous Semi-Conductors (1975) |
John Robertson (born in 1950) is a Professor of Electronics at the University of Cambridge. He is a top expert in understanding materials like amorphous carbon. These materials are special forms of carbon.
Studying and Learning
John Robertson went to the University of Cambridge. There, he earned two degrees: a Bachelor of Arts and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). He finished his PhD in 1975. His research was about how electronic states work in amorphous semiconductors. Think of semiconductors as materials that can sometimes conduct electricity and sometimes not.
His Work and Discoveries
After getting his PhD, Professor Robertson worked for 18 years at the Central Electricity Research Laboratories. In 1994, he returned to the University of Cambridge. He has written over 600 scientific papers. These papers have been used as references by other scientists many thousands of times.
His main research is about different types of carbon materials. He studies things like:
- Carbon nanotubes: These are tiny, tube-shaped carbon structures. They are super strong and can conduct electricity.
- Graphene: This is a single, thin layer of carbon atoms. It's also very strong and conducts electricity well.
- Chemical vapour deposition (CVD): This is a way to make thin films of materials. It involves using gases that react to form a solid layer.
- Materials for supercapacitors: These are devices that store energy. They can charge and release energy very quickly.
- High-κ dielectrics: These are special materials used in tiny electronic parts called transistors. They help make electronics smaller and more powerful.
- Transparent conducting oxides: These materials are clear but can still conduct electricity. They are used in touchscreens and solar cells.
Professor Robertson also uses special computer calculations. These calculations help him understand how these materials work. His research helps create new electronic devices.
Awards and Special Recognition
Professor Robertson has received many important awards. He is a Fellow of several major scientific groups. These include the American Physical Society and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Being a "Fellow" means he is recognized as a leading expert in his field.
In 2015, he was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS). This is a very high honor for scientists in the UK. He received this award for his important work. The award recognized his "sustained contribution to the production and development of electronic devices."
