Willard Sterling Boyle Born Aug 19 1924 - Died May 7 2011
Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) Patent Number 3,858,232 Willard S.
Boyle and George E. Smith invented the charge-coupled device
(CCD), a light-sensitive microchip that enabled dramatic
advances in digital imaging technology. CCDs are found in most
imaging devices including digital cameras, scanners, and fax
machines. The charge-coupled device stores information in
discrete packets of electric charge in columns of closely spaced
semiconductor capacitors. Stored information is read by shifting
stored charges down the columns, one position at a time. The
CCDs’ ultra-sensitivity to light makes it an important tool for
scientists. Most telescopes, including the Hubble Space
Telescope, rely on CCDs for electronic imaging. Boyle’s major
contributions include the first continuously operating ruby
laser and the first patent proposing a semiconductor injection
laser. At Bellcomm, Inc., Boyle helped identify landing sites
for NASA’s manned lunar space program. Born i