Chemistry and Materials

Return to the Timeline of innovation.

History of innovation December 2, 2021 Artificial Intelligence, Chemistry and Materials, Computing, Economic Development, Firsts, Physical World, Sensing and Devices, The 1970s

PROSPECTOR computer-based expert system

SRI International

One of the first computer-based expert systems aids geologists in mineral exploration.

History of innovation November 16, 2021 Chemistry and Materials, Firsts, Physical World, Products, Sensing and Devices, The 1940s

Transmission electron microscope

SRI International

Our revolutionary microscope improved magnification by 10,000 times.

History of innovation November 16, 2021 Chemistry and Materials, Physical World, Safety, The 1950s, Transportation

Steel super alloys

SRI International

Super-strong alloys can handle the heat.

History of innovation November 16, 2021 Business, Chemistry and Materials, Physical World, Products, Seminal Innovations, The 1950s

Chemical Economics Handbook

SRI International

The sourcebook still considered the leading source of global chemical business analysis for more than 300 industrial chemicals.

History of innovation November 16, 2021 Broadcasting, Business, Chemistry and Materials, Computing, Products, Seminal Innovations, Sensing and Devices, The 1970s

Spindt cold cathode for displays

SRI International

Revolutionary cathode led to today’s “instant-on” flat-panel computers and televisions.

History of innovation November 16, 2021 Business, Chemistry and Materials, Computing, Firsts, Products, Seminal Innovations, Sensing and Devices, The 1970s

Blue light-emitting diode

SRI International

The world’s first blue light-emitting diode (LED) lays the foundations for Blu-Ray.

History of innovation November 16, 2021 Chemistry and Materials, Health, Physical World, Pollution, Safety, The 1980s

Ozone depletion research

SRI International

Our research provided critical findings on protecting the atmosphere that protects us all.

History of innovation November 16, 2021 Chemistry and Materials, Physical World, Safety, Security and Defense, Software, The 1980s

Fracture Analysis System: FRASTA

SRI International

Breaking down how things break down to build them better.

History of innovation November 16, 2021 Chemistry and Materials, Physical World, Products, Safety, The 1980s

Polymers for super strength

SRI International

Stronger products from tennis rackets to Mars rovers.