Name: Russell Shoemaker Ohl

Born: January 1898

Death: March 1987 (Age: 89)

  • Known for patenting the modern solar cell.
  • Semiconductor researcher before the invention of the transistor.
  • Specialized in the behavior of certain types of crystals.
  • Investigated diode detectors suitable for high-frequency wireless, broadcasting, and military radar.
  • Discovered the PN barrier (known as the “P–N junction).
  • All diodes (including LEDs, laser diodes etc.) are derived from Ohl’s work.