Ted Paige facts for kids

Professor Edward George Sydney Paige (born July 18, 1930 – died February 20, 2004), known as Ted Paige, was a British scientist. He was an expert in physics and electrical engineering. His work helped improve radar and other electronic devices. He researched semiconductors and surface acoustic waves. He also worked on special optical techniques using "programmable phase plates."

Early life and education

Ted Paige grew up in Northiam, England. He was an only child. From a young age, he loved watching birds. His family lived in an old cottage. They did not have running water or electricity for some time. His parents always supported his learning.

Ted went to Sandhurst primary school. Then he attended Rye Grammar School. At first, he wanted to join the Navy. But he decided military life was not for him.

Discovering science

At Rye Grammar School, Ted found his passion for science. He did his own experiments. He even made explosives! His headmaster saw his talent. He encouraged Ted to continue his studies. Ted's family had not gone to university before.

He first liked biology. But then a new teacher, Leslie Elliott, taught physics and chemistry. Ted became very interested in these subjects. He earned a scholarship. This allowed him to study physics at Reading University.

From 1949 to 1952, Ted studied physics, chemistry, and math. He earned a top degree in physics. He also worked in an electronics factory during the summer.

Doctoral studies

After university, Ted continued his studies. He worked towards his PhD. His supervisor was Dr. William Mitchell. Ted was Dr. Mitchell's first PhD student. They became lifelong friends and colleagues. Ted's research looked at how X-rays and neutrons damaged quartz. He found that tiny amounts of aluminum caused changes in the quartz. He earned his PhD in 1955.

Career

After his PhD, Ted chose to work in a government research center in the UK. He joined the Radar Research Establishment (RRE) in Malvern in 1955. This place focused on pure science research. He later became a Deputy Chief Scientific Officer. The RRE later became the Royal Signals and Radar Establishment.

Ted joined a team that studied semiconductors. These are materials that can conduct electricity in a controlled way. This work helped improve electronic devices.

He also taught classes at Birmingham University. He led seminars at Oxford University. In 1966, he was a visiting professor in Copenhagen. He taught about solid state plasmas.

Surface acoustic waves (SAW)

In 1968, Ted led a group researching Rayleigh waves. These are waves that travel along the surface of materials. Their discoveries helped design radar for the RAF's Nimrod reconnaissance aircraft. His team won an award for this work.

In 1970, Ted formed a new team. They researched and developed surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices. This group worked well together. They created many new inventions and published papers. Their work became known worldwide. The team developed SAW electronic filters. These filters are used in many devices, including mobile phones today. They also worked with scientists in France.

Oxford University

In 1977, Ted became a professor at Oxford University. He taught Electrical Engineering. He also became a Fellow at St. John's College. This meant he focused more on engineering and teaching. He was known as a "brilliant teacher."

At Oxford, he helped improve the engineering department. He brought in new areas of study like information technology and optoelectronics. Optoelectronics is about using light and electronics together. He researched "programmable light modulators." These devices can control light. His work helped create systems for making very tiny patterns. It also led to a 3D image system for special displays.

Ted retired from Oxford in 1997. But he continued to be active in research. He was given a special fellowship to continue his work.

Illness and death

In 1996, Ted was diagnosed with HFE hereditary haemochromatosis. This is a genetic condition. It causes the body to store too much iron.

From 2000 until his death in 2004, Ted helped the Haemochromatosis Society. This group helps people learn about the condition. Ted used his skills to help the society collect information about the disease. Ted died in 2004 from liver cancer. This was caused by his genetic condition.

Personal life

Ted Paige was married to Helen Gill. They had four children together.

Honors and awards

Ted Paige received many honors for his work.

Fellowships

• In 1967, he became a Fellow of the Institute of Physics.
• In 1977, he became a Fellow of St John's College, Oxford.
• In 1978, he became a Fellow of the Institute of Electrical Engineers.
• In 1983, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very high honor for scientists.
• In 1997, he became a Leverhulme Emeritus Fellow.

Honorary appointments

• In 1966, he was a visiting professor at the Technical University of Denmark.
• In 1986, he was a visiting professor at Stanford University.

Awards

• In 1978, he received the Institute of Physics' Duddell Medal.
• In the same year, he received the Institute of Acoustics' Rayleigh Medal.
• He also won the Gabor Medal from the Institute of Physics.

Works

Ted Paige held several patents for his inventions. These included devices related to surface acoustic waves and acoustic-electric effects.