Walter Thompson Welford facts for kids

Walter Thompson Welford (born August 31, 1916 – died September 18, 1990) was a brilliant British scientist. He was a physicist who knew a lot about optics. Optics is the study of how light behaves. It also covers how we can use light in things like cameras or telescopes.

Walter Welford's Life Story

Walter Welford went to Hackney Technical College. He left school at 16 to start working. First, he was a technician at the London Hospital. Then, he worked at Oxford University in the Biochemistry Department.

He studied mathematics on his own. In 1942, he earned a top-grade degree from the University of London. After working for a company that made optical tools, he joined Imperial College London in 1947. He started as a research assistant.

Walter became a lecturer in 1951. He kept getting promoted and became a full professor of physics in 1973. He retired in 1983 but kept working on science. He stayed active at Imperial College and the University of Chicago until he passed away in 1990.

Awards and Special Recognition

Walter Welford received important awards for his work.

• In 1974, he won the Young Medal from the Institute of Physics. This award is for great achievements in optics.
• He was chosen to be a member of the Royal Society in 1980. This is a very high honor for scientists in the UK.
• He also won awards for his work with tiny patterns (microlithography) and ultraviolet light. This included experiments with a special type of laser.

Laser Technology and Patents

Walter Welford held a patent for his work on cutting things with lasers. A patent means he had the official right to his invention. This early work helped lead to modern laser eye surgery.

His important work on solar energy also helped him get elected to the Royal Society. This work involved special optics for collecting sunlight.

Other Areas of Walter Welford's Expertise

Walter Welford was involved in many different areas of science and technology.

• Sub-particle Physics: He helped invent the bubble chamber. This device lets scientists see the paths of tiny particles.
• Solar Energy: He did important work on how to collect sunlight using special mirrors called CPCs (Compound Parabolic Concentrators).
• Camera Lenses: He worked on camera lenses. One of his students even worked with him to invent zoom camera lenses. These lenses let you change how close or far away things look.
• Telescopes: Walter designed lenses for telescopes. He even helped create some of the first pictures of Jupiter using a lens he designed.
• Holograms: He also worked on holograms. These are special 3D images made with lasers.
• Double Glazing: A company called Pilkington hired him to help create double glazing for windows. Double glazing has two panes of glass to keep homes warmer.

Many documents, like "The Optical Legacy of Imperial College London," talk about how inventive Walter Welford and his department were.